Sources at Aden Adde airport confirmed to Shabelle Media station on condition of anonymity that the company, SKA is taking large revenue of the airport illegally through years from the passenger planes landing or taking off on the airport.

Inside the airport, the sources say there are old fashioned transportations and bad services  that contradicts SKA’s claim of providing aviation and developmental servicesin the airport since its signed contract with Somalia government in September 2010.

The company has recently been accused of taking unlawful charges from aid planes landing at Mogadishu. It also hired for many foreign employees to work in the airport while Somali citizens are unemployed and denied.

Waving banners written anti-Court ruling slogans and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), the crowd burnt tyres in the main streets in Hargeisa to show their annoyance against
the ruling and demand the release of the defendants.

A military court in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland has sentenced 28, 17 of them to death while 5 others in life in prison for attacking a military base over a land dispute one day earlier.

The court in Somaliland’s capital convicted the 17 on Wednesday, saying the defendants confessed to attacking soldiers during Tuesday’s confrontation.

Yusuf Mohammed, an elder said during comments on the issue that his clan is not satisfied Somaliland’s military court decision, saying the decision was reached in haste.

According to the prosecution, the 17 have no chance to appeal their death sentences.

BRUSSLES  Tuesday May 15, 2012 (Somaligov News): The European Union on Monday stated its opposition to extending the mandate of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) beyond the the August 20 deadline set by the international community for completing the political transition process in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.

“The EU rejects any further extension of the mandate of the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) in line  with the outcome of the International Conference on Somalia inLondon on 23 February 2012,” said a statement adopted at an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held inBrusselson Monday.

Reminding Somalia’s transitional authorities that only three months remained for the expiry of the August 20 deadline set to end the political transition process, the Council
urged them to seize this opportunity and to implement their commitments  within the set time-frame.

Welcoming the progress made by the interim authorities so far and stressing that the responsibility for the design and delivery of a political solution lies with Somalis  themselves, the Council said: “The Garowe Principles agreed by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), the other signatories of the  Kampala Roadmap and civil society, provide a sound basis for that solution.”

The Council noted the importance of the immediate establishment of new institutions and the adoption of a new Constitution by a representative Constituent Assembly in full  transparency, saying: “This Constitution, subject to a national referendum in due course, must be underpinned by respect for human  rights and fundamental freedoms, including women’s rights and the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”

MOGADISHU Sunday May 13, 2012 (Somaligov News):  Breaking News: The Governor and the
Moyar of Mogadishu H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Nur Tarzan tried to assassinate
the Spokesman of Benadir Region Mohamed Abdullahi Erig as confirmed and reported by the Shabelle Media

MOGADISHU Sunday May 13, 2012 (Somaligov News): At least three people were
killed and two others injured in hand grenade attacks at a base
controlling by Somalia government forces in Mogadishu, witnesses said on
Sunday.

The first attack took place on Saturday
night around 8:00 pm local time at a military base in Bar-Ubah junction,
killing three local civilians with some reports soldiers were among the
dead, according to the witnesses.

The second blast was reported went off at
30 venues inMogadishu, causing uncorfirmed casualties. Somali soldiers
in the explosion site reportedly opened fire following the double
attacks, but no fatalities were reported so far.

The motive for the bomb attacks in Mogadishu on Saturday night is not yet known.

Since august 2011, when Somali government
soldiers backed by AU forces took overMogadishufrom Al shabab,
explosions and coordinated attacks become common in the capital that
claimed the lives of innocent people and troops.

Addis Ababa: Sunday May 13, 2012 (Somaligov News): Ismail Hurre Buba, former Somali foreign minister has announced
Sunday that TFG Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohammed Ali failed for
sustaining the assembly of Somalia’s clan Traditional elders
inMogadishu.

Speaking with Shabelle Media station in
Mogadishu by phone, the former Somali foreign minister stated that
ongoing meeting for Somali elders in Mogadishu is not completely
fruitless one, and he added that conference is controlled by figures not
familiar for such gathering.

He urged Somali government officials to
make more consultations and consideration to adjust the contentious
issues in Mogadishu meeting for Somali traditional elders that are
tasked to select a constituent assembly to adopt the new draft
constitution and a parliament for Somalia.

It was yesterday when some elders at the
meeting recommended adjusting some undisclosed errors in the meeting,
saying it will cast a shadow the whole intention of the assembly.

NAIROBI
(Sh.M.Network) — Kenya’s anti-terrorism police have launched major
manhunt for a German national who sneaked into the east African nation
to plan terrorism attacks in the country.

Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere has
also summoned Ahmed Khaled Muller to surrender to the nearest police
station for questioning over Al-Shabaab links.

“The Kenya Police has cause to believe
that this person could be in possession of information on planned
Al-Shabaab criminal activities,” Iteere said in a statement released in
Nairobi on Saturday.

The police chief also appealed to Kenyans
to help the anti- terrorism police officers to arrest the German whose
alias names are Andreas Martin Muller and Abu Nusaibah and whose picture
has also been circulated

“Kenya Police would wish to inform the
public that one person going by the name Ahmed Khaled Mueller, a German
national is believed to have entered the country either illegally or by
disguising himself and the nature of his mission in Kenya,” he said.

A string of grenade attacks in Nairobi
and Mombasa recently have sent Kenyans living in other cities in the
East African nation, specifically Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret, into panic
as they fear terrorists may strike in their towns.

The latest development comes a week after
the police chief released the photograph of Amar whom the police said
was behind the recent grenade attacks inNairobiwhich left at least two
people dead and more than 15 others injured.

The police said Amar’s picture was taken
in a beach in Kismayu a few months ago before he returned to Kenya to
carry out grenade attack on God’s House of Miracles International Church
in Nairobi on April 29 which Al-Shabaab has since claimed
responsibility.

More than 30 people have been killed in
Kenya mostly in northern region blamed on Al-Shabaab who have since
joined al Qaida network to cause terror attacks in the East African
nation.

The deaths have been recorded after Kenya
sent its troops into Somalia in October 2011 to hunt down the
insurgents who were blamed for a series of murders and kidnapping on the
Kenya soil.

The Kenyan police have particularly
warned against the laxity in the screening of cars for explosives at all
shopping malls and any business or social gatherings with at least 10
people at any given moment that these might be vulnerable to attacks.

Iteere ordered Mueller to report to the
nearest police station from where he will be handed over to the
Anti-Terrorism Police Unit.

“Any person who knows the whereabouts of
the said Mueller is requested to give this information to the nearest
police officer, security officer or police station,” Iteere said.

“The public is also warned that this
person is possibly armed. Mueller is also believed to use alias names
Andreas Martin Muller and Abu Nusaibah,” Iteere said.

The attack comes a month after theU.S.embassy warned of an imminent terrorist attack inKenyais possible.

A warning from the embassy said the
likely targets include Nairobi hotels and prominent Kenyan government
buildings including places foreigners assemble, including shopping malls
and night clubs.

“The U.S. Embassy informs U.S.citizens
residing in or visiting Kenya that the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has
received credible information regarding a possible attack on Nairobi
hotels and prominent Kenyan government buildings,” the embassy said in a
statement on April 23.

The warning comes as the country’s
security forces have been on high alert across the country especially in
northern Kenya over an imminent suicide bombing attack by members of
the Al-Shabaab group from neighboring Somalia.

Kenya sent troops into Somalia to battle
Al-Shabaab rebels in October 2011 after several attacks, including the
kidnapping of a French woman and a British tourist – and the killing of
her husband – damaged its key tourism industry.

Kenya’s government says armed attacks and
kidnappings threaten the country’s tourism industry—a key driver of the
economy—that had bounced back after near collapse following
post-election violence four years ago in which more than 1,200 people
died.

Al-Shabaab militants have vowed to attack
Nairobi after the east African nation which hosted protracted
negotiations that culminated in the signing of the federal charter for
Somalia in 2005, invaded Somalia to flush out the insurgents it blamed
for kidnappings of tourists.

Source: (Xinhua)

MOGADISHU
May 9, 2012 (Somaligov News): Security
officials in Somalia government say they seized today two men with
explosives at Ex-control Afgoye checkpoint, a busy junction on the main
road that links Mogadishu, the capital to the rebel-held Afgoi district
on the south Somalia.

“Today the security forces of Somalia
government have managed to capture and thwart two men wearing suicide
belts which were planned by Al-Shabab extremists to carry out attacks in
Mogadishu,” Ahmed Abdullah Yare,a TFG security official told Shabelle
Media by phone.

Since August in 2011,when Al-Shabab
fighters treated from the capital, what they said was “a tactical move”
they begun to arrange more suicide attacks against the government forces
and the African Union troops in Mogadishu.

Al shabab officials are yet to comment to the Somalia goverment claim.

“Every elder at the ongoing so called
Somali traditional elders in Mogadishu supposed to select the
constituent assembly that will adopt the draft constitution and choose a
parliament is the enemy of Allah and the Islamic region,” he added.

Sheik Dhi’isow also, mentioned that the
draft constitution is worst than the former Berlin conference which was
divided the nationhood of Somalia country, because of it will weaken
some of most sacred points for the nation and its people including the
religion and the sovereignty of its borders.

This remarks followed as theSomalia’s
traditional elders are holding a major conference inMogadishuin the
fifth-day to select National Constituent Assembly of 825 clan-based
members that will adopt the draft constitution as well as a new
parliament of Somalia.

VALETTA, Malta May 9, 2012 (Somaligov News): Somali
asylum-seekers who landed their boat on one ofMalta’s most popular
beaches at the weekend have told UNHCR that seven fellow passengers died
during their week-long voyage fromLibya.

The boat came ashore at Riviera Bayon
Saturday and the emergency services were alerted to the arrival of the
90 exhausted Somalis by people enjoying an evening on the beach.

This is the fourth-such boat to have
arrived in Malta this year, bringing a total of some 210 people. A
further 45 boats have arrived inItaly, of which 26 originated fromLibya
and the rest from other destinations including Greece and Turkey.

According to our regional office in Italy
the latest deaths bring the number of reported or confirmed dead among
people attempting to reach Europe from Libya to 81 this year – or two
people every three days on average.

Compared to last year, which saw tens of
thousands of people travelling from Tunisia and Libya, the number of
arrivals in Malta and Italy from North Africa is down, with around 1400
people having arrived in 2012, most inItaly.

Last year, an estimated 1,500 people were reported missing or dead attempting to reach Europe across theMediterranean.

“UNHCR reiterates its call to ship
masters in the Mediterran eanfor heightened vigilance and continued
adherence to the longstanding maritime obligation of aiding those in
distress,” Edwards stressed.

MOGADISHU May 6, 2012 (Somaligov News):A National
Constituent Assembly of 825 clan-based representatives, is due to meet
on saturday for the first time in the chaotic Somalia capital,Mogadishu
to adopt a new draft constitution for the conflict-ridden horn of Africa
nation.

Selected Clan representatives from all
over the country have been pouring into Mogadishu in the past few days
for the approval of the draft constitution at the conference which is
scheduled to kick on in Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district on Saturday, 5th
May, in 2012.

Meanwhile senior clerics and elders in
Mogadishu have called to boycott the draft constitution alleging that it
was anti-Muslim rule.

Security in the Somali capital was on
Saturday tightened ahead of the opening assembly. Thousands of police
and military personnel from Somali government and African Union
peacekeepers were stationed along key roads in the city to avert
possible attacks from the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al shabab fighters.

Al-Shabab earlier last august in 2011,
withdrew from Mogadishu in what they said was a tactical move, but vowed
to continue fighting against Western-backed Somalia government and
AMISOM forces.

NAIROBI May 5, 2012 (Somaligov News): Kenya’s top cop  now says a deadly attack on a church in Nairobi appears the be the work  of al-Qaida-linked terrorists.

Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere Friday released a photo of the main suspect, known only by the alias Amar. Police officials said Amar is a native Kenyan but trained with  al-Shabaab, a Somali militant group with links to al-Qaida.

Iteere also said an al-Shabaab leader named Sheik Ismael Ali claimed responsibility for the church attack while preaching to followers in Somalia and vowed to send suicide
bombers toKenya.

Last month’s grenade attack on God’s House of Miracles International Church killed one person and wounded 16 others. Police officials initially said they thought the attack was the
result of strife within the church itself.

A report by a panel of United Nations experts issued last year warned al-Shabaab was trying to recruit new members from outside Somalia, and was focusing on other East African countries.

The Associated Press said Iteere warns Amar is just one of a number of Kenyans who are returning home after training with al-Shabaab. He says many of them appear to come from a slum inNairobi, the border region near Somalia and areas along the coast.

KAMPALA May 5, 2012 (Somaligov News): Ugandahas deployed an additional 1,700 troops in volatileSomalia, bringing the total number of Ugandan peacekeepers in the Horn of African country to 8,000, a military spokesman said here on Monday.

Col. Felix Kulayigye, spokesman of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces, told Xinhua by telephone that the troops will stay in the Somali capital Mogadishu as their colleagues advance deep into hostile territory.

“The troops have already arrived in Somalia. The troops will take charge of the security in Mogadishu as the rest of the troops will move out of the capital to clean up the restof Somalia,” he said.

“Everything is going on well. We hope to seize more positions from the Al-Shabaab and take charge,” he added.

The deployment of the troops which are operating under the African Union Mission in Somalia was concluded over the weekend, according to the military.

This increase in the number of troops follows a February UN Security Council resolution that approved the increase in the number of African Union peacekeepers in Somalia from 12,000 to 17, 731.

UNITED NATIONS May 4, 2012 (Somaligov News): UN leader Ban Ki-moon on Thursday led international outrage at the growing number of journalists killed in the line of duty amid widespread calls for greater protection for reporters.

Ban told a World Press Freedom Day event at the UN headquarters that journalists now face “dire threats” and  highlighted that more than 60 were killed in 2011.

Amid international tributes to journalists such as Marie Colvin of theUnited Statesand Remi Ochlik of France who were killed in the Syrian protest city of Homsin March, some
press freedom groups say this year could see an even worse media death toll.

Farhan Jeemis Abdulle, a radio reporter, was shot dead by gunmen inSomaliaon the eve of World Press Freedom Day, police said.

Abdulle was the fifth Somali journalist gunned down this year.

The UN secretary general said “countless” reporters “face intimidation, harassment and censorship at  the hands of governments, corporations and powerful individuals seeking
to preserve their power or hide wrong doings and misdeeds.”

“Impunity for those who attack or threaten journalists remains disturbingly prevalent — including for assaults carried out in broad daylight, delivering the most brutal of
messages.

“Such attacks are outrageous. I call on all concerned to prevent and prosecute such violence,” Ban said.

Reporters Without Borders said that 22 reporters and six bloggers and “citizen journalists” have already been  killed since the start of the year.

According to Reporters Without Borders, five journalists have been killed inSomaliathis year, four inSyria– including Colvin and Ochlik — two each inBangladesh,BrazilandIndia,and
one in Indonesia,Iraq,Lebanon,Nigeria,Pakistan, thePhilippines,Thailand.

The UN General Assembly held a minute’s silence for journalists killed for their work.

“The first quarter of 2012 has clearly shown that the world’s predators of the freedom to inform, led bySyria’s Bashar al-Assad andSomalia’s Islamist militias, are capable of behaving
like outright butchers,” Reporters Without Borders said.

The press freedom group also said that more than 280 journalists and bloggers have been imprisoned this year, including 32 inEritrea, 30 inChinaand 27 inIranand 14 inSyria. But five
have been detained in Azerbaijan, which is the UN Security Council president for May.

Ban and press freedom groups have sought to stress the role of the media, and particularly the new social media, in covering the uprisings inLibya,EgyptandSyriaover the past 18 months.

“Those new voices and new modes of communication have helped millions of people gain, for the first time, the chance at democracy and opportunities that had been denied to them for so long,” Ban said.

Several governments also highlighted the role of the press from which they so often come under attack.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague said the media death toll this year was “appalling”.

“Today we remember them all, including Sunday Times Journalist Marie Colvin and French photographer Remi Ochlik, who died bringing us the truth about what is happening to the
people of Homs,” Hague said in a statement.

France’s Foreign Minister Alain Juppe also paid tribute to Ochlik and two other French reporters and photographers killed in the Arab uprisings. But he also highlighted the
case of Romeo Langlois, aFrance24 broadcast journalist, abducted in Colombia last weekend.

The Freedom House rights group said the Middle East andNorth Africaexperienced “dramatic if precarious gains” in press freedom last year after the uprisings. But it added
thatBahrainandSyrialaunched “harsh media crackdowns” as part of government crackdowns on uprisings.

The group said thatChina,Russia and Iran have kept a tight grip on the media by detaining critics and shutting
down media outlets.

Source– AFP

MOGADISHU(Somaligov News)-Somali president of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed,  has called on the people not to boycott the new draft constitution of Somalia following a public defiant.

May 4, 2012 (Somaligov News): Speaking reporters at police centre in Mogadishu where is expected to hold a meeting to approve the draft  constitution, Somali president Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, said: “it is not a time to carve up, but it time to unite for moving the country out
of the long running crises.”

Mr. Ahmed’s comments comes as many Politicians and members of Somalia parliament have cautioned on the draft constitution for Somalia which they said was fading some of most
sacred points for the nation and its people including the religion of Islam and the sovereignty of its borders

MOGADISHU May 4, 2012 (Somaligov News): Nearly 10 mortars slammed at Somalia’s presidential palace on Friday night as  explosions and gunfire rocked Mogadishu in the latest outbreak of violence in chaotic Somalia, witnesses said.

“I can confirm two mortars have hit near VillaSomalia,” a source told Shabelle Media of the building where President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed stays. “We do not have word yet if
there were casualties or not.”

More than a dozen explosions boomed across Mogadishu and gunfire rattled out to break a lull in the violence of several days in the coastal capital of the Horn of Africa nation.

“I have heard more than a dozen explosions … now there is no gunfire,” said a resident

Also in the news, unknown gunmen have overnight attacked on government bases in Mogadishu, triggering face-to-face gun-battle that lasted two hours.

At least four government soldiers were killed last night in Mogadishu. Al shabab group has so said it was behind the killing.

GALKA’YO : May 3, 2012 (Somaligov News): Unidentified gunmen have on Wednesday evening shot to death a young Somalia journalist in central Somalia town of Galka’yo, the fight journalist killed in Somalia this year, witnesses said.

Farhan Jeemis Abdulle, the victim was gunned down by two men armed with pistols as he walked to his home at Garsor Village after leaving from his station, north Galka’yo, and the provincial capital of Mudug region, according to a collogue.

Witnesses told Shabelle Media on the elephone from Galka’yo that Puntland security forces have arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and begun investigating the killing, but no
arrest was made so far. This year has been a deadly year for Somali journalists.

Farhan Abdullahi was a well-knownreporter working for independent Radio Daljir for over 7 and was marriedwith three children.This is the fifth journalist to be killed in Somalia and second in Galkayo.

Speaking in Nairobi during a meeting with visiting Commissioner for development Andris Pielbalgs in Nairobi,Kibaki called on the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in
collaboration with the world to facilitate the relocation of the
 refugees.

“President Kibaki noted thatKenyahosted over 630,000 Somali refugees in Dadaab camp, a number that was not sustainable and a strain to the available resources,” said a statement
issued after the meeting inNairobi.

Kibaki noted that through the joint efforts of African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Kenya Defense Forces andthe Transitional Federal Government safe areas had been created that
could host Somali refugees in their country.

He impressed on the international community to utilize the safe havens so far created in Somalia through the ongoing military intervention so as to provide social amenities such
as water, health services and schools to Somali refugees ready to return to their motherland.

The Dadaab refugee complex located in northern Kenya shelters more than 460,000 refugees mainly from the Horn of Africa nation.

A third of this refugee population arrived in 2011 alone, fleeing the conflict, drought, famine and human rights abuses inSomalia. The camps in Dadaab opened two decades ago and
were originally designed to host some 90,000 refugees.

During the meeting, Kibaki said it is was better for the refugees to return home and continue getting the humanitarian assistance from the international community than the squalid lives they are leading in various refugee camps in Kenya.

He said there was hope of putting Somalia on the path of sustainable peace and development after over 20 years of untold suffering and appealed to the EU and other international
partners to support efforts by Somali people to stabilize and reconstruct their country

“President Kibaki once more reassured Kenyans and the international community of government’s commitment to the implementation of the constitution and delivery of credible, free
and fair elections,” the statement said.

The president and the EU Commission also discussed the aftermath of the TFG’s mandate which ends in August this year and holding of elections to put in place a democratic government.

President Kibaki who is the chairperson of East Africa Community (EAC) thanked EU for continued support to AMISOM and TFG to liberate all parts of the Somali republic and put in
place institutions of authority and restore the rule of law.

On his part, Pielbalgs commended President Kibaki and his government for being in the forefront in brokering peace inSomaliaand theSudan.

The EU Commissioner, who visited Northern Kenya on Tuesday, assured of continued support to water and health programs that empower the local people.

More than 955,000 Somalis live as  refugees in countries neighboringSomalia- primarily in Kenya (520,000),Yemen(203,000) and Ethiopia (186,000).

A third of them fledSomaliain the course of 2011 owing to conflict, drought and famine. Another 1.3 million
 people are internally displaced within the Horn of Africa nation.

Source: (Xinhua)    

Standing by, observing the Ugandan troops at work, is aU.S.marine, Major Mark Haley.

“Here is where we are going to teach
urban warfare, how to fight building to building,” Haley said as the
Ugandans moved between containers scrawled with graffiti reading “City
of Death” and “Hell Zone”.

The model of the Somali capital, or
“Little Mogadishu” as it is known, was built by American military
trainers to prepare the Ugandan soldiers to take part in the African
Union mission propping up the Western-backed government in Mogadishu.

After al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels
pulled out of the capital last year, theUnited Stateshas stepped up
efforts to train Ugandan soldiers who will be part of the push by AMISOM
to take more territory outside the capital.

TheUnited Statesand other Western powers
have been backing efforts to crush al Shabaab as they worry Somalia has
become a safe haven for Islamist militants seeking to wreak havoc in the
region and further afield.

Washington helps to fund the AMISOM
force, provides assistance to the transitional institutions inSomaliaand
has carried out air strikes within the Horn of Africa nation to kill
high-profile al Qaeda and al Shabaab suspects.

However, the United States is reluctant
to put boots on the ground ever since its humiliating retreat from
Somalia following the October 1993 “Blackhawk Down” debacle in which 18
U.S. servicemen and well over a thousand Somalis died.

Helped by AMISOM, the transitional
government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed now controls most of
Mogadishu for the first time since dictator Siad Barre was overthrown in
1991.

But Ahmed’s government has little control
over the rest of the country, where al Shabaab, clan-based militias and
warlords control chunks of territory. Ethiopian and Kenyan troops are
also battling al Shabaab inside Somalia.

BEYOND MOGADISHU

U.S.officials say they are hopeful the
equipment and training they provide will help AMISOM push al Shabaab,
which formally merged with al Qaeda this year, out of Somalia.

“Because of these successes we see new
targets that we need to help (the Ugandan forces) with, specifically
mobility and counter-mobility as they move along these routes outside of
Mogadishu,” said Major Albert Conley, deputy chief of the office of
security cooperation for theU.S.military in Uganda.

Uganda supplies the majority of the
AMISOM troops in Somalia, which the United Nations agreed in February to
increase from 12,000 to 17,731 peacekeepers.

AMISOM has sent a small contingent of
troops to Baidoa, the former seat of Somalia’s parliament and hopes to
send more soldiers their when the reinforcements arrive.

A team of 30 marines deployed to Uganda
in February for seven months to train combat engineers. TheU.S.military
is also providing Ugandan forces with equipment such as protective vests
and mine detecting equipment.

The marine programme supplements training for Ugandans funded by the U.S. State Department already going on.

Since 2007,U.S.military trainers have trained nine battle groups of Ugandan soldiers deployed toSomalia.

About 3,500 Ugandan soldiers are now
being trained byU.S.trainers atCampSingoin areas such as patrolling,
cordon and search operations and basic Somali language skills.

British and French trainers also lead exercises at the camp for Ugandan forces preparing to go toSomalia.

Standing outside the door of a first-aid
training course, First Lieutenant Martin Orech, 30, said he was looking
forward to getting the chance to serve inSomalia.

“If they give me a chance to go I will go so that we can make our brothers live happily like we are living inUganda,” he said.

“Why should I be nervous? I am trained to fight in such areas, I’m trained to do such work.” Reuters

Source: www.newvision.com

DHUSAMAREB Wednesday, May 2, 2012 (Somaligov News): The latest
Reports coming out from a suicide attack took place on Wednesday
afternoon at a restaurant in Dhusamareb, in the central war-torn
nationwhere members of the Somalia Transitional Federal Parliament and
Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASWJ) officials were meeting.

At least eight people were killed, among
two MPs and civilians, more than 30 others injured, some serously who
were at the restaurant at the time of the suicide explosion around 4:30
a.m. (local time) in the heart of Somalia’s central town of Dhusmareb,
the provincial capital of Galgadud region,

Two nearby innocent civilians and two
security guards were also killed in the blast. In Dhusamareb, witnesses
said a man entered a restaurant where MPs were meeting with the public
to discuss the setting up of a regional administration, before a bomber
blew himself up.

The latest Reports suggest that the
victimized people are expected today to admit hospitals at Guri’el town,
in the same region controlled by Ahlu Sunna to receive a proper medical
treatment.

The Islamist militant group Al-Shabab linked with Al Qaeda has said it was behind the deadly attack.

AFGOYE Wednesday, May 2, 2012 (Somaligov News): Reports from the
southern Somalia town of Afgoye, just 30 Km away south of Mogadishu in
Lower Shabelle region say on Wednesday the militants of Al-shabab have
arrested four people over TFG connection allegations.

Witnesses say fighters from Al-shabab
have arrested overnight and taken into custody in rebel-held Afgoye town
at least 4 locals among business people and elders whom they accuse to
have links with Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) based in
Mogadishu.

Some relatives of the detainees confirmed
to Shabelle Media that their beloved ones were arrested by Al-shabab
this morning illegally and aggressively because they say the arrested
have no idea about the charges against them.

Residents expressed concern over this
move and they say Al-shabab in southern Somali regions is accused of
arresting locals about TFG and regional forces Links.

In a rare joint statement, the three
organizations said they were “greatly concerned” at efforts to undermine
a “roadmap” signed bySomalia’s disparate leaders, the latest effort to
bring peace after more than two decades of war.

“The roadmap continues to be jeopardized
by the actions of individuals and groups in and out ofSomalia, working
to undermine the fragile progress we have collectively made in recent
months,” the statement read.

“We have come too far, and too much is at
stake, for us to allow the process to backslide at the exact moment
Somalia has its best opportunity for peace in decades.”

Somali leaders signed in September the
agreement for the formation of a government by August 20 to replace the
weak transitional body that has failed to bring peace to the anarchic
country, and is accused of rampant corruption.

Under the agreement, the latest among
more than a dozen attempts to resolve the bloody civil war, lawmakers
must agree on a system of government forSomalia’s fragmented regional —
and often rival — administrations.

Somalia must also adopt a new constitution, select a new parliament and convene the national assembly.

The U.N., AU and IGAD – the
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development – said their statement was a
“warning and a final opportunity” for those standing against peace.

The “unambiguous warning to all potential
spoilers” did not specifically name any people or groups, but said
non-compliance with the order would result in requests for sanctions
from IGAD nations, or from the U.N. Security Council.

The trio would take “concrete action” in coming weeks if it continued.

Source: AFP

Witnesses at the scene said the apparent suicide attack took place at
a café near a hotel in the heart of Dhusamareb town and that two MPs,
Yusuf Mire Seerar and Abdiweli Sheik Mohamud and two guards were
believed to be amongst the dead.  

Ahmed Abdisalan, a politician and lawmaker Hussein Warasme Samatar are reportedly seriously injured in the attack.

It was not immediately apparent how many the exact deaths,and who was behind the attack so far.

Islamist insurgents of Al shabab are increasingly turning to suicide
bombings as they battle to oust the weak Western-backed government.

Mohammad Saaili Shibin, 50, was brought
to theUnited Statesin April to face federal charges over the pirating of
an American yacht in February off the coast ofSomaliaand taking hostage
two American couples aboard who were later killed.

Shibin was also accused of researching
over the Internet who the hostages were to try to determine how much
money to demand and the identity of their family members so he could
contact them about a ransom.

The four slain Americans were Jean and Scott Adam ofCaliforniaand Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle fromSeattle.

Additionally, he served as the ransom
negotiator for pirates who seized the M/V Marida Marguerite, a
German-owned vessel with a crew of 22 men, who were held hostage off the
coast ofSomaliafor seven months, starting in May 2010.

According to the indictment, Shibin received $30,000 to $50,000 inU.S.cash as his share of the ransom payment.

“He was among an elite fraternity of
pirate negotiators – the vital link to any successful pirate attack,”
U.S. Attorney Neil MacBride said in a statement. “His skills were
essential to obtain a ransom for those who attacked the vessel and the
financiers who paid for the attack.”

He was convicted on 15 counts including
charges of piracy, hostage taking, kidnapping and conspiracy. He faces a
mandatory sentence of life in aU.S.prison.

Speaking to BBC, The U.S. Ambassador to
Somalia James Swan, said Friday the timing of the attack is clear that
Al shabab was weakened in the regional fighting in somalia and it is
believed they are to be in their final planning stages.

The embassador urged Somali people to be
more vigilant, saying Al shabab lost public trust in the people
ofSomaliaafter carrying out more deadly attacks against civilians.

Al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabab militants from
neighbouring Somalia have vowed to carry out an attack onKenya for
sending troops into Somalia.

Kenyasent hundreds of troops into Somalia
in October last year following a wave of kidnappings, including those
of four Europeans on Kenyan soil, blamed on Al-Shabab.

This comes as the refugee population in southern Ethiopia wells to more than 150,000.

“In recent weeks, Dollo Ado in southern
Ethiopiahas been receiving a weekly average of 450 new Somali refugees.
More than 8,500 have been registered so far this year, pushing the
refugee population in the area’s five camps past the 150,000 mark,” said
a UNHCR spokesman.

New arrivals continue to cite insecurity
insideSomaliaas their reason for flight. In a new development, some
refugees say they fled in fear of possible forced recruitment or
military conscription. Others cite fear of potential revenge killings in
the wake of renewed fighting.

These circumstances, combined with last
year’s famine inSomalia, eroded many people’s traditional coping
mechanisms and forced them to seek asylum across the border.

Meanwhile, heavy rains in mid-April
damaged an estimated 700 tents in Dollo Ado. Prior to this, UNHCR staff
had begun identifying refugees whose shelters would need reinforcement
against the rain.

They started distributing thousands of
plastic sheets in the different camps two weeks ago, and are providing
replacement tents to a smaller number of families whose shelters were
destroyed by the wind and rain.

The access road to one of the camps,
Hilaweyn, has been flooded. This has slowed down the delivery of
services, including water provision. UNHCR has met partners to work on
rehabilitating the road and maintaining access to the camp.

Dollo Ado’s dry-weather airstrip was
closed for most of last week, but is currently serviceable. Road convoys
are in place during the rainy season, to supplement or replace air
travel as necessary.

In north-easternKenya, the Dadaab refugee
complex has also been affected by the recent rains. Since mid-April,
UNHCR has been distributing plastic sheets and tents to refugees whose
shelter has been damaged or collapsed because of downpour.

“Our staff are standing by to distribute
more tarpaulins and other relief items, prioritizing the most vulnerable
refugees and those whose homes have been affected by the rains.

UNHCR and our partners are also working
to mitigate the effects of potential floods. Needs assessment and plans
have been developed, but budgetary constraints are hindering progress,”
said the UNHCR spokesman, Adrian Edwards.

 In anticipation of malaria cases,
UNHCR’s health partners have started distributing insecticide-treated
mosquito nets. Some 220,000 nets will be handed out in the next four
weeks in Dadaab’s Ifo, Dagahaley and Hagadera camps, accompanied by
demonstrations and information sessions on their use and care.

The Dadaab refugee complex current hosts more than 460,000 refugees, the majority fromSomalia.

Decades of conflict and drought have
driven more than 980,000 Somali refugees into the region, most of them
hosted inKenya,YemenandEthiopia. Another 1.36 million Somalis are
internally displaced within the country.

In an exclusive interview with Shabelle
Media, Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra, The Special Representative
of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, spoke
more about AMISOM’s plan towards restoring peace and order in Somalia,
he said AU soldiers are preparing to take over regions still under Al
shabab control.

“We want to capture areas which are now
controlled by control Al-Qaeda allied Al-Shabab insurgent bases out of
Mogadishu, as soon as we get increased AMISOM’s force strength to a
maximum of 17,731 uniformed personnel,” he added.

A regional offensive has forced the
Al-Shabab from many of their strongholds, with Ethiopian troops fighting
in the west, AU troops in Mogadishu pushing to the outskirts of the
city, and Kenyan troops battling in the south.

“AMSIOM made gains against Al shabab
fighters, seizing Deynile airstrip,out of Mogadishu part of driving the
militants from the city. It was the latest loss for the extremist
fighters” Boubacar Gaoussou Diarra, The Special Representative of the
Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, said during the
interview with Shabelle Media.

NAIROBI:  April 27, 2012:(Somaligov Portal News): The African Union Mission 
in  Somalia  (AMISOM) has  said  that  it will  not  allow  spoilers 
to  sabotage  the  peace process  as the country approaches  the end  of
the transitional period.

Speaking during a press briefing in
Mogadishu today, the Deputy Special  Representative of the Chairperson 
of  the  African  Union  Commission  (DSRCC)  for  Somalia,  Honorable 
Wafula  Wamunyinyi  observed  that  as  the  country draws  closer  to 
the  end of  the  transitional period  there  will  be heightened 
political  activities  and  called  on  stakeholders  to  refrain  from 
acts and  statements  that  may  disturb  the  peace  currently 
enjoyed  in most parts of the country.

He  said;  “It  is  important  to  note 
that  this  is  the  longest  period  of  peace  that  Somalia  has
enjoyed  since  the  fall  of  a  central  government  in  1991.  There 
have  been  sacrifices  to  get  to  where  we  are  and AMISOM  will 
not  allow  anybody  to disrupt the peace process.”

The  Deputy  AU  Special  Representative 
noted  the  firm  commitment  demonstrated  by  the  Transitional 
Federal  Institutions  to  delivering  a  provisional  constitution  to 
the  people  of  Somalia.  “As  we  speak,  the  elders’ meeting  is 
convening  right  here  in Mogadishu  to  select  members  of the 
Constituent  Assembly  which  is  expected  to  review  and  adopt  the 
draft  provisional  constitution.  I  look  forward  to a  successful 
session by  the assembly which  should  adopt  the  constitution by mid
May.” He said.

Honorable Wafula Wamunyinyi who took
opportunity of the press briefing  to introduce the in? coming Force 
Commander  Lieutenant  General  Andrew  Gutti  as  part  of 
implementation  of  United  Nations  Resolution  2036,  extended  his 
appreciation  to  out?going  Force Commander Major  General Fred 
Mugisha  for helping  the TFG  to  liberate  key areas including Daynile
and  Maslah  from  Al?Shabaab terrorists.  He  said  AMISOM  has 
secured  the  whole  of  Mogadishu and  is  now  helping  the TFG  to
consolidate  the defense of the  city and advancing  beyond.

MOGADISHU April 27, 2012:(Somaligov Portal News):The African
Union peacekeeping forces serving under AMISOM umbrella in Somalia
called on Somali people to amalgamate fighting against Al Qaeda linked
insurgents of Al shabab.

General Fred Mugisha, the ongoing force
commander of AMISOM announced on Thursday that Al shabab still poses
major threat inSomaliaso that the people should come together as to
eradicate the militants from the entire country soon.

“I warn Al shabab and Al Qaeda to
continue the aimless killing and deadly attacks against innocent
civilians inMogadishuand as well as areas under their control
inSomalia,” said Mugisha.

AMISOM forces from Uganda and Burundiare
helping Somali government for the security and fighting against Al
shabab fighting combating to topple TFG. Since 2007 AMISOM forces have
managed to push the insurgents out of the capital,Mogadishu.

Al shabab staged more attacks inMogadishuthat left dozens of civilians and soldiers from Somalia and AMISOM dead.

BRUSSELS April 25, 2012: (Wararka Dowladda ee Soomaaliya): The European
Union will begin a program to help East African nations improve maritime
security as pirate attacks in the region decline, EU Ambassador to
Tanzania Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi said.

The
so-calledRegionalMaritimeCapacityBuildingprogram will cover Somalia,
Kenya Tanzania,Djibouti,Seychelles and Mauritius, Sebregondi said in an
interview yesterday inDar es Salaam,Tanzania’s commercial capital. “The
program starts in a couple of weeks or months, and will last for one to
two years, with a possibility of extending it,” he said.

The EU also plans to spend 16 million
euros ($21 million) extending its anti-piracy program off the coast of
Somalia over the next two years to secure United Nations food shipments
to the war-torn country, he said. Sebregondi spoke on board the HNLMS
Van Amstel, a multi-purpose military vehicle that has been docked atDar
es Salaamsince April 21.

Global pirate attacks fell 28 percent to
102 incidents in the first quarter as naval interventions reduced
incidents off the coast ofSomalia, the International Maritime Bureau
said yesterday. Attacks nearSomaliadeclined to 43 from 97 and the number
of vessels that were hijacked also dropped.

InSomalia, the capacity-building program
will focus on enabling the police and the judiciary to start handling
the piracy problem domestically, Sebregondi said.

The bloc also plans to sign a
pirate-transfer agreement with Tanzania“soon” to allow the EU to hand
over suspected pirates captured at sea to Tanzanian authorities,
Sebregondi said.

Busiest Waterway

The EU’s so-called Atalanta Operation
started in 2008 to curb piracy off Somalia’s coast and to secure vessels
used by the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia known as Amisom.
Ships traveling through the Suez Canal, the world’s busiest man-made
waterway, must travel by Somalia’s coastal waters. Total trade valued at
$1 trillion moves through the region, according to the EU naval force.

The EU’s intervention helped secure UN
deliveries of food aid to Somalia, which has lacked a functioning
central government since civil war erupted in 1991, Richard Reagan, the
World Food Programme’s representative in Tanzania, said in a separate
interview yesterday from Dar es Salaam.

“Since our merchant-chattered vessels
going toSomaliagot this protection, we have not had any piracy
incidents,” he said. “I may not give you exact numbers, but we had
several incidents in the past.”

‘Life-Saving Assistance’

The UN food agency is now reaching more
than 1.5 million people with “life-saving” assistance, said Reagan. The
Horn of Africa region experienced the worst drought in 60 years last
year that triggered a famine in six regions inSomalia.

The WFP successfully delivered 854,181
metric tonnes of food to Somalia through its main port of Mogadishu, as well
as the towns of Merka, Bossaso and Berbera port in Puntland with
protection from the EU Naval Force, according to Hans Veerbeek,
commanding officer of the HNLMS Van Amstel.

 About 150 WFP ships and 126 under Amisom
have been safely escorted since 2008. Total pirate attacks are 539 in
the same period, while 126 ships have been actually pirated, according
to information from the EU. The naval force has disrupted 114 attacks,
according to the information.

The embassy urged Americans to be vigilant. Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militants from
neighboring Somalia have vowed to carry out an attack onKenyafor
sending troops into Somalia.

Kenya sent hundreds of troops into
Somalia in October last year following a wave of kidnappings, including
those of four Europeans on Kenyan soil, blamed on al-Shabab.

Mogadishu: Tuesday April 24, 2012: (Wararka Dowladda ee Soomaaliya): Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has today affirmed the finalization of the draft constitution on 20 April 2012 by the
Independent Federal Constitution Commission (IFCC) and Committee of Experts (CoE) in conformity with the Charter stipulations, the Roadmap  timelines and the Garowe principles. The efforts of the TFG and the IFCC and the CoE were a culmination of eight years of sustained concentration on the constitutional making process,  marred by failures, setbacks and successes. In 2004, it was agreed  through the provisions of the then new Charter that a crucial priority of ending the transitional arrangements was to complete a Federal Constitution based on equity, fairness and justice.

The government of Prime Minister Abdwali Mohamed early in its mandate  prioritized its agenda through the Road Map signed on September 6, 2011, and one of the key benchmarks contained in the Road Map was a call to  complete the draft constitution by April 20, 2012. The Prime Minister  said “ It is with certain pride that I announce that a key benchmark  task of the Road Map has been achieved on time and I want to thank the  Somali public who through public participations made passionate contributions to the document, the IFCC and the CoE who placed the public interest before their private interests, the Ministers of the  Ministry of Constitutional Affairs and Reconciliation, my staff and also our technical partners in the international community for making this  important milestone a reality”

The Prime Minister reiterated that the delivery of the draft constitution  represents a significant milestone in the path towards a new  constitution for the Somali people with compliance of Shari ‘a Law and  will usher a new era of constitutional processes that will enable the Somali people to become a society bound by a constitutional regime based on humane foundational principles and objective fair processes, and
never ever to be dictated to by the whims of powerful individuals, groups or ideologies.

The draft constitution will be presented to the National Constituent  Assembly for adoption on May 15, 2012, as agreed to in the Roadmap and  with the Garowe Principles. The Constituent Assembly comprising 825
delegates from a cross section of Somali society will consider the draftconstitution for a two-week period and then vote on the provisional  ratification of the draft constitution.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a positive vote from the National Constituent Assembly will turn the draft into the Provisional  Constitution of Somalia. It will remain provisional until the governmentcan organize a national referendum to give each Somali man and woman the opportunity to vote on the Somali constitution.

“This constitution belongs to the Somali people- men, women, and children, old. If we use it properly, maintain it properly, improve it properly, it can become a powerful instrument for our collective liberation from
oppression, human rights violations and all forms of indignities. Used properly, it will also usher in greater freedoms, economic development  and prosperity.” Concluded the Prime Minister.

Xafiiska Madaxweynaha Dowladda Soomaaliya 

Office of the Somali President

Thursday, April 19, 2012  PRETORIA(Ssomgov Portal News): Turkeyis mediating betweenSomalia’s government and the militant Al-Shabaab group to help bring an end to the years-long conflict in the Horn of Africa nation.

“Through the years,Turkey, the only Muslim member in NATO, andSomaliahave maintained a pleasant relationship,” Abdihakim Aynte, an independent Somali researcher, said.

He saidAnkarahas notable advantages in mediating between the Somali rivals to end the bloody conflict.

Turkeyhas spearheaded efforts to provide aid to millions of Somalis ravaged by the years-long conflict in their country.

Last year,Ankaracontributed $201 million to the humanitarian relief efforts to help Somalis affected by a severe drought in the Horn of Africa.

Many Somalis considerTurkeyas their only “true Muslim friend”, citing a visit by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan during last year’s drought and the resulting famine.

Besides sharing the same Islamic values,Turkeyis also viewed as a country that lacks local proxies or other incentives to meddle in the internal politics ofSomalia.

Aynte opines thatTurkeycould succeed in mediating between the government and Al-Shabaab militants to help resolve the conflict.

Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davtutoglu has recently outlinedTurkey’s interest in meditating between conflicting factions inSomalia.

“Despite our advantage and special relation with Somalis of all stripes,Turkeywould play a role in mediating conflicting parties inSomalia.”

Somaliahas sunk into abyss over the deadly fighting between government troops and militants of Al-Qaeda-inspired Al-Shabaab militants.

The conflict has escalated after neighboringKenyaandEthiopiasent troops intoSomaliato help hunt Al-Shabaab militants.

Nation Rebuilding

Analysts opine thatTurkey’s mediation could possibly prove to be a catalyst for the rebuilding ofSomalia, a country divided along clan lines.

Aynte saidTurkeyis rebuilding the social fabrics inSomaliaby reconstructing roads, airports, hospitals for the people’s wellbeing and paving the way for political resettlement.

The analyst listed a number of projects championed byTurkeyin the war-torn country.

Up to 1,000 students have been granted full scholarships in different fields inTurkey, he said.

Schools that teach the Turkish language have also opened up inSomaliain addition to providing aid to nearly 15,000 displaced Somalis by theTurkish Red Crescent.

Turkeyhas also reconstructed a major hospital and outpatient clinic which are serving nearly three million Somalis fromMogadishuand other remote areas.

Aynte said the net effect ofTurkey’s contribution to the impoverished country ofSomaliais mind-boggling.

Somaliahas lacked an effective government since the ouster of former president Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

More than 14 attempts to restore

Muqdisho: Tuesday April 17, 2012: (Wararka Dowladda ee Soomaaliya):

While speaking to Shabelle Media, Ahmed Mo’allin Fiqi, the director of the national security agency flashed out reports tell that his agency employs without doubt and checking the militants defected from Al shabab who are accused of carrying out the attacks inMogadishu.

“It is baseless and false report that the security agency of TFG is involved the insecurity of the capital after employing Al shabab agents. We are committed and honest for our work to defend and secure the country. The call on MPs to refrain spreading such accusations,” said Fiqi.

This comments followed after Salad Ali Jelle, a Somali MP accused the country’s national agency took into the security services more than 120 Al shabab elements.

LUQ: Tuesday April 17, 2012: (Wararka Dowladda ee Soomaaliya): Four years after the drought and famine hit most regions in southSomalia, a high level delegation from United Nations has arrived at Luq town,Somalia’s southern Gedo region to assess the humanitarian needs on the ground.

The UN delegation consists of officials from United Nation high commission for refugees UNHCR and other agencies and they held talks with the officials of the local administration under Somali government.

In their meeting, the UN officials pledged to restart their humanitarian operations to support thousands of drought and famine stricken Somali families in the entire Gedo region, close to Kenyan border.

The town which was one of Al shabab main stronghold areas in Gedo region before Somali andKenyamilitary rolled in is now currently hosting many Somalis on foot to reach Kenyan refugee camps after their cops and livestock were washed away by the droughts.

Abdullah Adbul Majid aka Abul, a Kenyan aged 18 and who arrived from Somalia in January, is in police custody after he was arrested last week in connection with the Machakos Country Bus blasts that killed nine people.

An interrogation report seen by the Standard details his confessions from how he joined the terror group and his military training inSomalia.

He was arrested inEastleighlast Thursday together with three people following a tip-off that they were involved in the blasts.

Abdul said he travelled toSomaliain January, last year, fromMombasathrough Garissa, Dadajabula and Dobley towns.

“He secured his bus fare toSomaliaby secretly selling his mother’s mobile phone at Sh5,000. He packed a few clothes in a paper bag to begin the journey toSomalia,” says part of the report.

Abdul is a Standard Seven dropout fromAhzabAcademyand his parents stay in Majengo,Mombasa.

He has told police he was motivated to join the militants by teachings in aMombasamosque by two Sheikhs including deceased Samir Mohamed Khan who was found dead inTsavoNational Park.

The preachers, according to the report, told their followers the war inSomaliais a real Jihad afterUgandaandBurundisoldiers joined the Transitional Federal Government soldiers in fighting the Al Shabaab militants.

The report says some sailors at theMombasaold port advised Abdul how he could travel toSomalia. While inSomalia, he was inducted in using grenades, pistols and rifles at Abadajira, which is a former prisons camp.

It was a three-month course involving about 300 trainees. He remained inMogadishuwhile his colleagues were taken to Quri Luk.

He revealed that foreign fighters found speaking in English were slaughtered on the spot because they were assumed to be spies.

Mohammed Abdikalil, the governor told Shabelle Media via telephone from Garbaharey that the wounded were evacuated from the town to neighboring Mandera hospitals because of lack of medical facilities in Garbaharay district, where twin blast rocked Sunday at a coffee shop frequented by TFG military officials.

At least three people mostly civilians were killed and 30 more others injured in the blast. The governor emphasized that the bomb attack was facilitated by members of government troops and he said there are investigations to find out the facilitators.

He refrained from directly naming those he claimed facilitated the deadly explosion.

Mr. Kalil noted that 30 people, including soldiers suffered various degrees of injury as a result of the explosion that are now being treated in Mandera Hospitals, north eastKenya.

Mogadishu: Sunday, April 15, 2012 (Somaligov News): The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has on Sunday promised to tackle the current insecurity acts in the capital,Mogadishuwhich has seen in the past few nights assassinations and  killings against locals and soldiers.

Abdisamad Mo’allin Mohamud, the Minster of interior and national security of Somali government told Shabelle Media station inMogadishuthat his government is planning to secure the overall security in the capital as well as the whole country.

“Somali government has achieved in the past to mobilize heavy forces consisting of police, military and AU peacekeeping soldires known as (AMISOM) as to improve the security and protect criminal acts against the people inMogadishu,” said Mr. Mohamud.

Since Al shabab abandoned from its fixed military bases inMogadishulast august in 2011, the capital has witnessed more deadly attacks, including suicide and car bombs by the militants linked with Al Qaeda.

Local residents near the palace told Shabelle Media by phone on condition of anonymity that they could hear mid last night mortars being fired at the heavily protected Somali presidential compound, the fourth attempt to strike at the heart of the government in a fortnight.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the bombardment at Somali palace so far.

It was not immediately unclear to verify the exact number of casualties in the attack. TFG officials at the palace were unavailable to reach on the line for comments about the shelling.  

Under pressure from African Union and Somali government troops, the al Qaeda-linked militants withdrew fromMogadishuin August prompting a return to relative calm in the capital, although they still manage to launch sporadic attacks.

NEW YORK Wednesday April 11, 2012 (Somaligob Portal News): The United Nations requires about $1 billion to deal with the refugee crisis inSomaliaandSudan.

The funds will be ploughed into life-saving responses, internally displaced persons/returnees and cholera preparedness, among other things.

InSomalia, the UN is grappling with internally displaced people and refugees who fled to Daabab inKenyawhile inSudanit faces problems of returnees following the creation of the new state ofSouth Sudan.

A report by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) says the money will also ease hunger caused by a drought inSomalia. It says about 2.5 million people will need food aid if the long rains fail.

Still in crisis

The UN andQatarwill host a regional conference where UN emergency relief coordinator Valerie Amos will appeal for help from governments and humanitarian players.

“A third of the Somali population is still in crisis and the number may grow if rains fail,” the report says.

It adds that last year’s famine resulted in the arrival of more than 150,000 refugees in Daadab — a third of the camp’s current population.

It has about 444,480 refugees.

WASHINGTON: Wednesday April 11, 2012 (Somaligob Portal News): U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday the security situation inSomaliaposed an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to theUnited States.

Obama, in an executive order, declared that a national emergency with respect toSomaliawas extended for another year.

“Because the situation with respect toSomaliacontinues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of theUnited States, the national emergency declared on April 12, 2010, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond April 12, 2012,” he said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab, a militant group tied to al-Qaida, controls parts ofSomaliathough it has lost ground amid an offensive supported by troops from the African Union.

In January, Augustine Mahiga, U.N. special envoy toSomalia, formally moved from offices inKenyato the Somali capital after a 17-year absence. World leaders during a one-day conference inLondonin February expressed optimism thatSomaliawas turning the corner after years of civil war.

Obama’s announcement came one day after at least 12 people were killed when an improvised explosive detonated in theSomaliamarket town of Baidoa and a week after Somali officials were killed in an attack on a theater inMogadishu.

There hasn’t been a formal central government inSomaliasince the 1990s.

Mohammed Abdirahman Qasim, the police chief of attacked base told Shabelle Media by telephone that some Al-shabab fighters have ambushed on the station, sparking a face-to-face clashes between the security forces and the attackers.

“The militants attacked us at mid last night. We repulsed them from the area and now the situation has returned to normal. There were no fatalities our side, but with they suffered casualties during the attack at West-station in Dharkenlay district,” the police chief added.

It was impossible immediately to reach Al-shabab officials for comments on the attack.

York April 6, 2012 (Somaligob Portal News) Somali authorities must immediately investigate the murder of a radio journalist who worked for the country’s leading independent broadcaster and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Mahad Salad Adan was the fourth journalist killed in Somalia since the beginning of the year.

Unidentified assailants shot Adan at around 5 p.m. near his home in Beledweyne, the capital of the central Somali region of Hiran, according to local journalists and news reports. Adan, better known as Mahad Jamal, was the editor of Voice of Hiran, a radio station in Hiran, before he began working as a local correspondent forSomalia’s largest news outlet, the Shabelle Media Network.

Adan had reported on the conflict between Al-Shabaab and the Somali government and its Ethiopian allies, his colleague at Shabelle, Qaali Ahmed, told the U.K.-based news website Somalia Report. Somali forces had seized Beledweyne from Al-Shabaab’s control in late December, but have faced ongoing attacks from the insurgents, according to news reports. Ahmed said that some of Adan’s reports could be seen as critical of Al-Shabaab, the Somalia Report said.

Witnesses told reporters there were three gunmen. Government forces who arrived at the scene shot dead one of them, according to Shabelle. Some news accounts citing government officials reported that the dead gunman was an Al-Shabaab fighter.

“We condemn the senseless murder of journalist Mahad Salad Adan, and send our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “We call on Somali authorities to apprehend Adan’s killers and take all the necessary steps to ensure that journalists are able to work freely without fear of reprisal.”

At least three other journalists have been killed inSomaliathis year, including the former Radio Shabelle Director Hassan Osman, who was shot dead in January near his home inMogadishu. Over the past five years, six Radio Shabelle journalists have been killed in the line of duty, according to CPJ research.

In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

TO: Somali People in Somalia and around the globe

CC: All the Diplomatic Missions in Somalia

CC: The United Nations (UN)

CC: The African Union (AU)

CC: The European Union (EU)

CC: All the International Organizations

                                                                                                                            On April 5, 2012

Your Excellencies,

Subject: The Required Conditions of Somali Presidential Candidates On August 20, in 2012

The Required Conditions of Somali Presidential Candidates in 2012

1. 
   

   He/She must born in the Democratic Republic of Somalia



2. 
   

   He/She must be health 100% and accepts to bring his/her health report and doctor's name for medical verification as Somalis to know whom they will appoint for the Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Somalia. .



3. 
   

   He/She must have completed higher education holding Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science “PhD” Or Doctorate in Political Science.



4. 
   

   He/She must declare his/her treasury assets nationally and globally before taking up the Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Somalia.



5. 
   

   He/She must have married Somali spouse for three genealogical generations, and he/she must have not foreign any children.



6. 
   

   He/She must not be committed crimes nationally, regionally and internationally as well as in countries where Somali people have resettled.



7. 
   

   He/She must be Muslim who commemorated the Holly Qur'an or Islamic Religious Cleric,



8. 
   

   He/She must speak Somali with two different dialects such as Maxaa Tiri/Maay, Local Satanic Slang/Bird's Speech such as Af-Jinni/AF-Shimbireed plus four other international languages.



9. 
   

   He/She should have written books which are very valuable to Somalis and the greater global societies.



10. 
    

    He/She must be between 25 years of age to 45 years,



11. 
    

    He must marry two disabled girls above the age of 18 years who will change the problems and misuse for the rights of the disabled people in Somalia.



12. 
    

    He/She must not bribe during the Presidential Campaign for the Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Somalia.

The Vetting and Fulfillment Committee of the Conditions for the Somali Presidential Candidates in 2012

1. 
   

   Drs. Asha Elmi Haji (Alternative Noble Prize Winner)



2. 
   

   Drs. Hawo Abdi Dhiblaawe (A Woman with Many Local and International Awards for better Health and Setting up Health Camps for the needy people freely)



3. 
   

   Drs. Fozia Sheikh Ibraahim (A Women with Exceptional Leadership for Current Politics in Somalia



4. 
   

   Eng. Ruqiya Mohamed (Firstt Somali Civil Engnieer & Advocate for peaceful Somalia)



5. 
   

   Dr. Cali Sheikh Ahmed, The President of the University of Mogadishu



6. 
   

   Prof. Mohamed Abdi Aadn, The President of East Africa University in Bossasso



7. 
   

   Prof. Yahye Sheikh Caamir, The President of the University of Somalia



8. 
   

   Jibriil Ibrahim Abdulle, The Director of he Center for Research & Dialogue (CRD)



9. 
   

   Journalist Mohamed Sheikh Osmaan “Qadaafi.” (A Talented Journalist & Advocate for Somali Youth)



10. 
    

    Marwo Faadumo Jabrril (A Great Fighter for Environment and Education)



11. 
    

    Dr. Hashi Cabdimuciid “Haashi Geelle.” (Veteran Somali Peace-maker)

I believe that if we need to see peaceful Somalia without foreign recolonization in the 21^st century then please let's appoint these highly qualified Somali intellectuals who will carry out special vetting for Somali Presidential Candidates on August 20, 2012.

Thank you very much,

Prepared and Written by Ambassador Dr. Badal W. Kariye (Dr. Hunbul), Minneapolis, MN USA

somaliauthor@hotmail.com

Somali Version

Bismillaahi Al-Raxmaani Al-Raxiimi

KU: Ummadda Soomaaliyeed Gudaha Dalka Iyo Dibaddaba

CC: Dhammaan Safaaraddaha Jooga Soomaaliya

CC: Qaramadda Midooway

CC: Ururka Midowga Afrika

CC: Ururka Midowga Yurub

CC: Dhammaan Ururadda Caalamiga ah

                                                                                                                                             On April 5, 2012

Mudanayaal/Marwooyin,

Subject: Shuruudaha Laga Rabo Musharaxiinta Jaggadda Madaxweynaha Dalka Soomaaliya August 20, 2012

Shuruudaha Laga Rabo Musharaxiinta Jaggadda Madaxweynaha Dalka Soomaaliya August 20, 2012

1. 
   

   Waa inuu ku dhashay gudaha dalka Soomaaliya



2. 
   

   Waa inuu caafimaad qabo 100% asagoo ogol inuu keeno warbixinta caafimaadkiisa iyo dhakhaatiirtiisa si ay u hubbiyaan inay Ummadda Soomaaliyeed shaqsiga hoggaamin doona Xafiiska Madaxtooyadda ee Dalka Soomaaliya



3. 
   

   Waa inuu haysto waxbarasho jaamacaddeed sida Shahaadada heerka seddexaad ee jaamacadda taasoo loo yaqaano “Doctorate AMA PhD taasooo ah Cilmiga Siyaasadda.



4. 
   

   Waa inuu caddeyo hantida uu ku leeyahay gudaha dalka iyo dibaddaba inta aan loo dhiibin Xafiiska Madaxtooyadda Dalka Soomaaliya.



5. 
   

   Waa inuu qabo xaas Soomaali ah oo ilaa seddex fac isirkeedu soo gelin dad shisheeye ah ama aynan waxba ilmo ah u soo dhalin shisheeye inta uu guursan ka hor,



6. 
   

   Waa inuu wax dembi ah ka galin dad, dalka, deriska iyo caalamka kale ee ay Ummadda Soomaaliyeed ku dib-u deggeen.



7. 
   

   Waa inuu yahay Muslim xafidsan Qur'aanka Kariimka ah ee Barakaysan ama Qof uu yahay Caalim Ku Takhasusay Diinta Islaamka.



8. 
   

   Waa inuu ku hadlaa Af-Soomaali Maxaa Tiri, Maay, Af-Shinbireed/Af-Jinni Iyo Afar luuqadood oo shisheeye ah sida English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish IWM.



9. 
   

   Waa inuu qoray buuggaag faa'iido u leh dadweynaha Soomaaliyeed iyo Bulsha weynta-Caalamka.



10. 
    

    Waa inay da'diisa u dhexeyso 25 sanno ilaa 45 sanno.



11. 
    

    Waa inuu guursadaa laba gabar/hablood oo naafo ah, da'dooda ka weyn tahay 18 sanno kuwaasoo wax ka beddeli doonan dhibka iyo xaq-darrada lagu hayo guryaamiinta Dalka Soomaaliya.



12. 
    

    Waa inuu wax musuqmaasuq ah ku bixin Tartanka Jaggadda Madaxweynaha Soomaaliya.



13. 
    

Guddiga Baarista Iyo Buuxinta Sharuudaha Jaggadda Madaxweynaha Soomaaliya ee Musharaxiinta

1. 
   

   Drs. Casha Cilmi Xaaji (Ku guullaystay Biladda Alternative Noble Prize).



2. 
   

   Drs. Hawo Cabdi Dhiblaawe (Ku guullaystay billaddo badan of dalka iyo dibaddaba ayadoo ku caawinaysa dadka danyarta ah caafimaad lacag la'aan ah iyo xerooyin caafimaad).



3. 
   

   Drs. Fozia Shiikh Ibraahim (Qof si joogta ah uga warqaba hoggaanka dalka Soomaaliya)



4. 
   

   Eng. Ruqiya Maxamed (Injineeraddii ugu horeysay Gabdhaha/Hablaha dalka Soomaaliyeed ahna qof aad ugu ololaysa Soomaaliya oo nabad ah).



5. 
   

   Dr. Cali Shiikh Axmed (Madaxweynaha Jaamacadda Moqdisho).



6. 
   

   Prof. Maxamed Cabdi Aadn (Madaxweynaha Jaamacadda Barriga Africa),



7. 
   

   Prof. Yahye Sheikh Caamir, Madaxweynaha Jaamacadda Soomaaliya



8. 
   

   Jibriil Ibraahim Cabdulle, Agaasimaha Xarunta Cilmi-Baarista Iyo Wadahadalka (CRD)



9. 
   

   Journalist Maxamed Shiikh Cismaan “Qadaafi.” (Wariye xirfad sare leh ahna qof u ololeeya arrimaha dhallinyaradda Soomaaliyeed).



10. 
    

    Marwo Faadumo Jabrril (Si weyn ugu ololaysa Arrimaha Bey'adda/Deegaanka iyo Waxbarashadda,



11. 
    

    Dr. Hashi Cabdimuciid “Haashi Geelle.” (Nabaddoon Soomaaliyeed).

Anniga waxaan rummaysnahay haddii annaga(u) rabno in aan aragno Soomaaliya oo nabad ah taasoo aan lagu soo celin gummaysi shisheeye ah qarniga 21naad, fadlan waa in aanu u dooranaa dadkan ah waxgaradka Soomaaliyeed kuwaasoo fulin doona baarista khaaska ah ee musharaxiinta jaggadda Madaxtooyadda Agoosto 20, 2012.

Aad ayaad ugu mahadsan tihiin,

Waxaa Soo Diyaariyey/Qoray Danjire Dr. Badal W. Kaariye, Minneapolis, MN USA

somaliauthor@hotmail.com

The 45-year-old was held at the airport in the capital,Mogadishu, yesterday after travelling from theUKviaNairobiinKenya, according to reports.

He is alleged to have told immigration officials he was planning to go to Kismayo in southernSomalia, a port city held by al Shabaab, which is affiliated to al Qaida.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it was aware of reports about the Briton’s arrest.

Britons are thought to make up about a quarter of the estimated 200 foreigners fighting with al Shabaab inSomalia, according to a recent Royal United Services Institute report.

The FCO advises against all travel to war-tornSomalia.

Residents inMogadishu’s northern districts of Denile, a frontline area said the battle sparked afterSomaliaand AMISOM forces conducted security operation at Al-shabab strongholds where both sides fought face-to-face for hours.

It was immediately unclear the exact casualties of the clashes, but some sources said there were several people injured in the combat.

Al-Shabab fledMogadishuin August in what its leaders called a tactical pullout. But the militants struck back last months and carried  out many deadly attacks inMogadishu.

While Addressing Mr. Ahmed at the summit he called on heads of Arab states to train Somali forces in order to restore peace and stability and fight on Al-shabab militants linked with Al-Qaeda.

Somali government forces and AU soldiers have managed to drive Al-shabab out ofMogadishulast years after three years of combat.

The agenda of the summit include facing developments in Syria, Yemen, SudanandSomalia, while the seventh article is to make theMiddle Eastfree from nuclear weapons.

.

The team will train Ugandans for two weeks; day and night, before they are sent toSomalia, which is facing the militant Al-Shabaab menace, in two weeks.

The visitingUKminister forAfrica, Mr Henry Bellingham, also Wednesdayannounced an extra $200,000 funding for training of Ugandan  peacekeepers.

“This is a good opportunity to pacifySomaliabecause the Al-Shabaab have been chased out ofMogadishu. This was a sacrifice worthwhile. Achievements made on the military front should be compatible with political side,” he said

Mr Bellingham was meeting the British soldiers and the UgandaLandforces commander, Lt Gen Katumba Wamala, and other senior  officers in Singo, Nakaseke District where the peacekeepers are undergoing training.

Mr Bellingham said theUKfunding to the African Union forces, Amisom had been increased by $23.8 million following the UN resolution that  called for increase and expansion of the force from 12,000 to 17,731.

The commandant of Singo Peace support training school, Col James Barigye Ruheesi, said the school had so far trained 20,000 soldiers who had so far served inSomaliasince 2007.

Ugandans and Burundians have been supporting the beleaguered Transitional Federal Government of Somalia before they were later joinedby Kenyans an Djiboutian forces.

The 45-year-old was held at the airport in the capital,Mogadishu, yesterday after travelling from theUKviaNairobiinKenya, according to reports.

He is alleged to have told immigration officials he was planning to go to Kismayo in southernSomalia, a port city held by al Shabaab, which is affiliated to al Qaida.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it was aware of reports about the Briton’s arrest.

Britons are thought to make up about a quarter of the estimated 200 foreigners fighting with al Shabaab inSomalia, according to a recent  Royal United Services Institute report.

The FCO advises against all travel to war-tornSomalia.

Abdisasis Ahmed Aden, the Ethiopian ambassador in Somalia who spoke with Shabelle Media expressed deep concern over the repeated killings against Somali media correspondents working in the this hard situation.

“It is regret and misfortune to persist the targeting and harassments of Somali journalists who devoted themselves to cover the situation on  the ground in a country which has lacked a strong functioning central government for more than 21-years, said Ethiopian ambassador inSomalia, Abdisasis Ahmed Aden.

Mr. Aden called onSomalia’s Transitional Federal Government to launch an investigation the masterminds of the journalism assassinations and  out them into justice as soon as possible.

This followed as Somali journalists reporting on the crisis have come under increasing attack, including through targeted killings in the past few months.

Local residents who spoke to Shabelle Media by phone told that the army’s convoy was targeted a landmine as they were passing on a road in the heart of Beledweyne which leads to the western villages of the town, causing an unconfirmed casualty on the Ethiopian troops.

Shortly after the blast, hundreds of another Ethiopian troops who drove from near bases have immediately arrive at scene to evacuate theirloss, opening fire many passerby civilians, some of the got injured by the systematic gunshots.

No one has immediately claimed the responsibility of the attack so far,but the town has seen a lot such explosions since Al-shabab fighterswithdrew last year.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 MOGADISHU(Somaligov News Portal): Unidentified gunmen have shot and dead overnight two senior Somali government officials in the heart of the
lawlessMogadishu, security officials said.

Yasin, a staff working forSomaliapalace was gunned down on Tuesday evening by gunmen armed with pistols as he walked from work to his houseat Hamar cinema in Shibis district under government control.

Similarly, masked gunmen assassinated Muhaydin Wehliye Ageey, one of the Criminal Investigation Department CID officials inMogadishu. Witnesses said the gunmen shot Ageey on the head and instantly died on the spot.

The local administration of Shibis district for Somali government told Shabelle Media that they are probing the incidents and tackle the insecurity acts as soon.

Ambassador James Swan, the U.S. Special Representative for Somalia sent the following letter of condolence on the death of former President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed to Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of the Somali Transitional Federal Government on Friday, March 23.

Begin Text

--------------

March 23, 2012

H.E. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed

President of the Somali Transitional Federal Government

Mogadishu, Somalia

Dear Mr. President:

I was saddened to learn of the passing of former President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.  President Yusuf was among the most prominent public figures in Somalia for many decades.  His life was intertwined with the post-independence history of the country, including during his tenure as-President during a very difficult transitional period.  

I extend my sincere condolences to President Yusuf’s family and to the Government and people of Somalia. 

Sincerely,

(signed)

James Swan

U.S. Special Representative for Somalia

______________________________________________________________________

Matt Goshko

Public Affairs Officer | Somalia Affairs Unit | U.S. Embassy, Nairobi 

Office 254-20-363-6181 | Cell  254-073 360 8556 | Fax: 254-20-363-6329

GoshkoME@state.gov

Visit us at http://somalia.usvpp.gov/index.html

  Share


Bookmark
Print
Email

Rating

An injured victim of the Country Bus Station blast is wheeled into the
Casualty and Emergency section of the Kenyatta National Hospital, March
10, 2012. At least six people were feared dead after a series of blasts
ripped through Landhies Road near the Country Bus Station in Nairobi
Saturday. BILLY MUTAI  

A
British and an Italian hostage held by militant groups in Nigeria have
been killed by their captures after a joint British-Nigerian rescue
operation failed to free them.

“It is with great regret that I have to say that both Chris and
Franco [the two hostages] have lost their lives,” British Prime Minister
David Cameron said on Thursday, adding that “We are still awaiting
confirmation of the details, but the early indications are clear that
both men were murdered by their captors, before they could be rescued.”



Cameron added that he had authorized the mission after receiving credible information regarding the hostages’ location.



The two were abducted by militant groups nearly a year ago.



Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan blamed the killing on the
militant group Boko Haram and said the perpetrators had been arrested.



“The president, who particularly commended the cooperation and
understanding of the British and Italian governments, assured that the
perpetrators of the murderous act, who have all been arrested, would be
made to face the full wrath of the law,” a statement released from
Jonathan’s office said.



Meanwhile, seven other people were killed in an attack by gunmen on a
police station and two banks in a remote part of northeast Nigeria. At
least four of the dead were police officers.



Militant group Boko Haram has been blamed for increasingly deadly
attacks in Nigeria -- Africa's most populous nation and largest oil
producer.



PM/MA

Yemini protesters call for fulfillment of revolution goals

Yemeni
air force personnel march during a protest calling for the resignation
of their commander General Mohammad Saleh al-Ahmar in Sana’a on March
8, 2012.

Fri Mar 9, 2012 12:16AM GMT

Yemeni
protesters, including air force personnel, have staged a demonstration
in the capital Sana'a to press for their revolutionary demands, Press TV reports.

On Thursday, the demonstrators chanted “Mohammad Saleh al-Ahmar must
leave”, demanding the dismissal of former president’s brother General
Mohammad Saleh Al-Ahmar -- Commander of Yemeni Air Forces -- and his
aides.



They also demanded the restructuring of the army and the release of
all prisoners arrested by Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime forces during the
revolution which erupted in early 2011.



Saleh's sons and nephews still hold key positions in the military
and intelligence services. Many high-profile figures from the former
regime are accused of committing crimes against protesters during the
revolution.



Ali Abdullah Saleh handed power to his vice Abd Rabbuh Mansur
al-Hadi, a UK-trained field marshal, under a power transfer deal backed
by the United States and Saudi Arabia. The deal also granted immunity
from prosecution to Saleh and his close affiliates.



Hadi was sworn in following a single-candidate election on February
21. The sham poll was likewise strongly supported by Washington and
Riyadh.



The new Yemeni president will lead the country for a two-year-long
interim period as stipulated by the so-called power transition deal.



MHB/MA

FCO Press Release: Minister for Africa statement on the murder of Somali journalist Abukar Hassan Mohamoudm(Kadaf)

Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham, said:

“The UK strongly condemns the killing of the Director of
Somaliweyn Radio, Abukar Hassan Mohamoud, known as Kadaf, yesterday in
Mogadishu.  Sadly this shocking murder is yet another example of the
ongoing intimidation of journalists in Somalia.  It follows just over a
month after the killing of the Director of Radio Shabelle, Hassan Osman
Abdi, who was better known as Hassan Fantastic.  I call for a full and
urgent independent enquiry into the killing of both journalists and urge
Somalia's Transitional Federal Institutions to end the culture of
impunity.

“I pay tribute to the vital work of independent journalists in
Somalia, described by Reporters without Borders as the deadliest country
in Africa for journalists.  And I reiterate the call by all
participants of the London Conference on Somalia, repeated in the
conference communiqué, which emphasised that journalists in Somalia must
be able to operate freely and without fear.”

Kind regards, 

Newsdesk

Puntland Police Shutdown Radio station, Seize Equipments and Detain

Radio Director in the town of Boosaaso

Mogadishu, 4 March, 2012

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is condemnsthe raid to the privately owned radio station in the commercial port town of Boosaaso in the semi-autonamous regions of Puntland, on late Saturday night on 3 March, 2012 around 10:20pm local time and the detention of its director by the Puntland police.

Armed police raided the radio premises of Radio Voice of Peace (Codka Nabadda Radio) in Boosaaso on Saturday night March 3, 2012, around 10:20pm local time taking equipments including two laptop computers, the mixer and locked the studio. The police later left the radio station closed down, according to local journalists. The director of the radio, Awke Abdullahi Ali confirmed the attack, before he was detained.
On Saturday Afternoon, Codka Nabadda Radio broadcast, on one of its daily afternoon program aired at 3:00pm, called "Bandhiga Codka Nabadda", clashes that erupted between the Puntland administration and
the militants - affiliated to Al-Shabab, fighting against the Puntland administration at the Galgala mountains near Boosaaso of Bari region on Saturday , according to a journalist, who was one of the producers of the Afternoon program, told NUSOJ.

During the coverage, the Radio interviewed Puntland Presidential spokesman, Libaax Joore telling their side of the story and announced

"their army won the Galgala fight on Saturday and killed many insurgent army " However, the journalists sought the other side of the

story and quoted a Shabab spokesman, Abu Muscab, a group which has recently announced their affiliations to Al-Qaeda, on one of the Somali websites, claiming to have seized technical vehicles from Puntland army at Galgala fight on Saturday and killed many of its soldiers."

"We were covering the fight in Galgala on Saturday in the afternoon program, we have interviewed the Puntland presidential spokesman known as Libaax Joore about the fight and he told victories on their side.

But, to balance the story, we have quoted Shabab spokesman on one of the Somali language websites." A journalist whose name withheld for security reasons said, "I think that news infuriated the Puntland administration and led to the closure of the radio."

The police later assaulted the residence of the Director of Codka Nabadda Radio in Boosaaso, Awke Abdullahi and took him to the Boosaaso Central police jail on Saturday night around 11:00pm local time, his wife Istahil Abdi confirmed his arrest to NUSOJ.
The police accused the radio during the raid that "The Radio aired propaganda news related to the Shabab."
"We condemn the strongest terms possible to the act of raid, closure and detention of our colleague by the Puntland Police." Mohamed
Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, "The Attack is a direct violation and attempt obstruct the free flow of information and news

from the other side of the story from the public. These attacks must stop"

"We call for the Puntland Authorities to the return the equipment and release the director of the Codka Nabada Radio in Boosaaso, Awke Abdullahi from jail. even If they had done a mistake, such an attack could not have been the response." Mr. Ibrahim added.

Similar incident took place on 13 August, 2010, when the director of Horseed Radio, Abdifatah Jama Mire was jailed for airing an interview from the rebel commander in Galgala Mountains near the town of Boosaaso of Bari region and was later handed down to six years jail term. Mire was not provided with legal counsel, and neither the police nor the prosecutor presented evidence at the trial. Despite the fact that the prosecutor only requested a three year prison term, Bosaso
District Judge Farah Hassan Ismail sentenced Mirensu to six years in jail and a fine equivalent to US$ 500. He was released after 86 days in detention by the Puntland authorities. He is currently in exile in Kampala, Uganda.

On 2nd July, 2011, Online journalist, Faysal Mohamed Hassan, who was the correspondent of Hiiraan Online in Bosaso was sentenced to one year jail term by the Puntland court in Bosaso, after he was accused of publishing false news information. He was released on 31 July, 2011 following presidential pardon.

Puntland had already had a poor record of press freedom and had forced the independent media in Puntland not to report contrary to their side of the story or face serious consequences including long jail terms.

The United States Condemns the Murders of Somali Journalists, Calls on TFG to Report Publicly on Investigations

U.S. Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya

Press Release

March 2, 2012

The United States Condemns the Murders of Somali Journalists in Mogadishu

1 March 1, 2012 – The United States strongly condemns the February 28 murder of Abukar Mohamed Kadaf, the Director of Somaliweyn Radio and  the January 28 murder of Hassan Osman Abdi, Director of Radio Shabelle. We extend our profound condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

The United States is committed to bringing an end to the culture of impunity and violence that threatens both the lives of Somalis and their universally recognized right to freedom of expression.

We call on the Transitional Federal Government to investigate fully these heinous crimes, to report publicly on their findings, and to prosecute those implicated in all aspects of these murders.

The era of impunity must end in Somalia and those who seek to profit from or promote instability will be held accountable.

______________________________________________________________________

Matt Goshko

Public Affairs Officer | Somalia Affairs Unit | U.S. Embassy, Nairobi

Office 254-20-363-6181 | Cell  254-073 360 8556 | Fax: 254-20-363-6329

GoshkoME@state.gov

Visit us at http://somalia.usvpp.gov/index.html

PRESS RELEASE

(For immediate release) 

AMISOM and the TFG enhance information sharing to deal with security threats. 

Mogadishu-April 2nd, 2012; The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia have launched a Joint Fusion and Liaison Unit to ensure timely information sharing .The move  will improve coordination between the TFG and AMISOM to deal with any emerging security threats.

Head of AMISOM Mission Analysis Cell, Mr. Fred Ngoga Gatereste said the establishment of the unit which is the vision of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Boubacar Gaoussou Diara,will allow AMISOM and the TFG to have the same understanding of the situation and take timely action to prevent Al-Shabaab’s terrorist actions.

“Information sharing is already bearing fruits as joint AMISOM and TFG operations have enabled the defeat of Al-Shabaab terrorists in the Daynile area with minimum casualties. The Joint Fusion and Liaison Unit will further strengthen our coordination as we liberate more areas from Al-Shabaab terrorists.” He said.

The establishment of the Joint Fusion and Liaison Unit between AMISOM and the TFG follows the recommendation made during the Information Sharing Meeting held in Kampala, Uganda in November 2010.

—————————————————————————————————————————-
For more information, please Contact;
Mr. Eloi Yao, Spokesperson
e-mail: amisommediacentre@gmail.com

STARTS: Getting Somalia back on its feet.

Yesterday Britain hosted a major international conference on Somalia, attended by heads of government and senior representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations, including UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon,the AU Secretary General Jean Ping,  Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby/US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton] , and a large delegation of Somali leaders.

Together we agreed that the time was right to work on a series of practical measures aimed at helping Somalia get back on its feet.

First, we affirmed that the transitional government in Somalia must end in August and that there must be no further extensions.  The Somali people must determine the shape of their
future political institutions – so we emphasised that the political process must be inclusive and representative. We also agreed that the political process should be open to all those who are prepared to reject violence, including those in areas currently under Al Shabaab control.

We also acted on the decision of African Heads ofState to establish a Joint Financial Management Board to improve public financial management.  Our aim is to have a mechanisms in place for reducing corruption, rebuilding trust and ensuring that Somali and donor funds are properly and transparently spent on providing services to the Somali people.

Establishing security is essential for making political progress. That’s why  the international community has agreed to help AMISOM (the African Union troops) extend beyond Mogadishu, to further counter the challenge currently posed by Al Shabaab.  A new UN resolution has endorsed an increase in troops from 12,000 to 17,731,  along with a new equipment package.

We also moved to support Somalia’s regions of relative stability, agreeing principles for aid and establishing a new fund to resolve disputes at the local level, provide jobs and basic
services that local people need and support the development of the local authorities.  The British Government announced a contribution of £15 million and several countries followed suit.

The conference also addressed the challenge of terrorism - a threat shared by the Somali people, the region and the wider world - prioritising the need to disrupt terrorists’ travel to and
from Somalia and to disrupt their finances. We will also be supporting the Somali criminal justice system.

On piracy, the British Government and the Seychelles will establish a new regional Anti-Piracy centre with support from other partners, which will look to prosecute the king-pins, ransom negotiators and middle men to break the piracy business cycle.   There were also a number of agreements between nations to make it easier for  suspected pirates to be tried in the region, and then transferred to Somali prisons.

Somalia has suffered from a terrible famine in the past year. The conference also highlighted the need for donors from  across the world to continue to respond generously to the crisis – and provide aid on the basis of need alone. Despite the welcome announcement by the UN that famine conditions in Somalia have now ended, the humanitarian situation remains gravely concerning.  2.34 million people are still affected.

Together these measures represent an attempt to change the dynamic in Somalia from one of inexorable decline to one of gradually increasing stability and security.  We must be under no illusions about how long it will take to achieve it and our approach must be realistic and sober. We cannot turn Somalia around with one conference and the future is ultimately in the hands of Somalis themselves.  However, Somalis cannot do it on their own; that is why we called this conference – to galvanise international support to Somalia and to send a signal to the people of Somalia that we will stand by them. And to remind all those who wilfully import and perpetuate violence and terrorism there that they should not underestimate our resolve.

ENDS

Abdilatif.maalim@fco.gov.uk,

 Amanda-Lawrence-Brown@dfid.gov.uk

The Nice Lover
My Interests for Better Future By Dr. Badal W. Kariye PhD “Dr. Hunbul”
ISBN: 9781468554199

This novel is based on true history of love, jealousy of polygamy,
betrayal, and how you can survive it in a foreign country where you've
arrived in as a refugee or immigrant in love who needs constant
assistance from the government and local charity.

This is my
latest Novel for all nationalities as refugees, immigrants or citizens
who fall in love & adjusting to new life in the USA etc.

The London Conference on Somaliais taking place on 23 February and will be attended by senior representatives from more than 50 countries and international organisations. The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will attend, as will the Head of the African Union, the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Co-operation.

The conference is aimed at galvanising international engagement on Somalia and in his message Dr Ahmed El Tayyeb calls on Somalis to put their divisions aside and work to end the conflict.

He addresses the upcoming conference in London and looks forward to a better future for the Somali people.

"When I learnt of the conference in London, I was greatly moved and wanted to address you, hoping that my words will reach your hearts and be accepted.  In the path of reconciliation, forgiveness and tolerance are needed so the wounds of your homeland may be healed and the plight of your people may come to an end.

"We ask God to grant you success in your honourable endeavours and we look forward to a bright future for your great people who have suffered terrible ordeals.
For Immediate Release

*AMISOM Force Commander Meets With Mayor, UN over Afgoye Returnees*

Mogadishu, 20 February 2012

As civilians continue to flee to Mogadishu from insurgent held areas, AMISOM officials have held meetings with local authorities in the capital to coordinate efforts and ensure they are looked after.

Over the weekend AMISOM Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha and his deputy, Brig. Gen. Audace Nduwumunsi held discussions on the issue with the Deputy Mayor of Mogadishu, Mr. Mohammed Iman Icar. Gen Mugisha later met with the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Mogadishu, Mr Kilian Kleinschmidt.

The city Mayor said government was making arrangements to receive the civilians seeking protection while working with other stakeholders to provide them with immediate needs as appropriate.

Gen. Mugisha said AMISOM was seeking to liberate the population in Afgoye, provide access to the humanitarian community and secure the people of Mogadishu.

“These meetings are part of ongoing consultations with local authorities to ensure that civilians are protected. Afgoye Corridor is home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, many of whom had initially fled fighting in Mogadishu, and is controlled by al Shabaab, the Al Qaeda backed militants, who have prevented aid agencies from accessing the beleaguered population.” he said.

“Afgoye is also used as a centre for planning and coordinating terrorist attacks on the civilian population in Mogadishu and it is no secret that Al Qaeda leaders frequently hold meetings there to plan such attacks,” headded.
“AMISOM understands and appreciates the concerns of the humanitarian  community. However, the choice is either to leave Afgoye in the hands of AlQaeda or to liberate its people. In any future operations, AMISOM will, as it has done in Mogadishu, take all measures to minimize harm to the civilian population,” he said.

In August 2011, AMISOM helped expel the Al Qaeda backed militants from Mogadishu, significantly improving the security situation and allowinginternational aid agencies to deliver supplies to the city. Partly as a

result, the humanitarian situation in the country has eased and in January, the UN declared that the famine had ended.

ENDS

--


Paddy Ankunda

Lt Colonel

AMISOM Force Spokesman

Tel: Somalia (+252) 699 758567

Tel: Somalia (+252) 618 508181

Tel: East Africa (+256) 772 696070 (+256) 713 914411 (+254) 705 399119

Email: paddyankunda@yahoo.com or amisomforcehq@gmail.com

TO: His Excellency Barack Obama

CC: Interpol

CC: Embassy of Japan in USA, Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications, Japanese Police “Cyber Crime Unit”

CC: International Court of Justice

CC: African Union (AU)

CC: European Union (EU)

CC: ICANN

CC: U.S. FBI Cyber Crime Unit

February 18, 2012

Your Excellencies,

Subject: Somali Internet TLD SO. Case Against the Buyer GMO Company in Japan which bought it from unofficial and claimed persons who represented Somali Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

My complaint letter dated on February 11, 2010 in regard to the theft and the mishandling of Somalia's Top-Level Domain “.so” to illegal criminals and private internet entities which has not authority to claim and sell any of
Somali National Property with the approval of the Somali National Parliament and its Parliamentary Communications Committee.

Let's stop these corrupted Somali politicians who sold illegally the Somali Top-Level Domain So.and their Internet Pirates who are possessing and selling the internet property of sovereign nation. The United Nations Security Council and the International intelligence Agencies must collaborate and stop these lunatic criminal people and agencies who are constantly violating the principles of the Charter of the UnitedNations and the international law.

Watch this crime and read carefully:

Relaunch

On February 3, 2009, ICANN approved redelegation of the .so domain to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.[10] In ICANN's meeting minutes, it was revealed that Aveek Datta, the former registry operator, had disputed the redelegation request buthe did not respond to ICANN's request to verify his connection with the former company.

The new registry operator relaunched the .so domain on November 1, 2010. Requests to become a registrar can already be submitted using the recently launched website of .SO Registry.[1]

Who operates this domain  http://www.soregistry.so/ ? No physical address or telephone to call them ask their piracy aboutthe Top-Level Domain for Somalia which .so.

GMO Company and ICANN has violated the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Somalia, and the People of Somalia are ready to take this case into the international court which will decide and make final verdict of this looted case in front of the people of Somalia by lunatic mafia buying it from Somali con men who were as the following:

1. His Excellency Prof. Abdirazak Osman Hassan "Juriile" was the Somali Minister of Posts and Communication

2. Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Aden (Former and Current Permanent Secretary Somali Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications)

3. Abdikarim Hasan Jaamac Former Chief of Cabinet(Also served as Ministers Somali Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications)

Mr. Hiro Tsukahara, you are guilt of international fraud with so-called Somali con men, and we can not accept it.

If you can buy the TDL SO. Which belongs to a sovereign nation then you can make your arguments in court of law where every human on the earth will be laughing yournaughty internet piracy.

It is illegal that GMO Register Inc.to operate our national Somali Top-Lever Domain externally which is contradictory to the ICANN and the United States Internet Protocols because Japan is not Somalia therefore; please let's sttop these corrupted people now before they further deteriorate Somali crisi and still the property of sovereignty nation.

In fact, the GMO Register Inc. has not physical address or telephone to communicate and tell them to stop their corruption aiding Somali criminals who are tryning to swindle millions into personal accounts.

I, Dr. Badal Kariye who has been the Director of the Office of Somali Governmental Communications and Contracts made clear to you that these people were unable to transfer or sell Somali TLD SO. Because they were corrupt and acted con men as you did it therefore, it is your responsibility to sue them and bring them into justice as I am now bringing your company and its corruptions into justice.

Let the world wake for your ferocious deals to possess the property of a sovereign nation in the world with hard-eyed decision and lies as well as dealing with con men.

Yours Faithfully,

Dr. Badal Kariye

Director, Office of Somali Governmental Communications and Contracts

52 Cedar Ave SO MN 55454 Or 2740 Minnehaha Ave Ste 130 PMB191 MN 55406

Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cell: 612-9865395

http://www.somaligov.net
Main Somaligov Portal

www.president.somaligov.net
Office of the Somali President

www.opm.somaligov.net
Office of the Somali Prime Minister

www.osgcc.somaligov.net
Somali Office of Governmental Communications and Contracts

Press Officer office of the Prime Minister
Mobile: +252-615536608 +252-6-2536608
Mogadishu, Somalia

1 Villa Somalia  Mogadishu
, The Democratic Republic of Somalia 2525
Phone:
(+252-1) 543050, 593134
Fax:
Fax: (+252-5) 974242
E-Mail:
primeminister@opm.somaligov.net

• Russian daily accuses Putin group of cyber attack

Thursday, February 9, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal):

50 Cent in Gedo

Popular American rapper Curtis James Jackson III (known as “50 Cent") visited Somalia for the first time on Wednesday during a World Food Program (WFP) sponsored humanitarian trip to Gedo region.

50 Cent arrived in Dolow, in southwestern Somalia, and visited camps  for internally displaced people (IDP) and schools, speaking to people displaced by war and drought.

Regional officers, local residents and students welcomed the singer and explained their needs to the famous rapper, including educational equipment.

50 Cent expressed his camaraderie with the displaced Somalis and vowed to assist them.

“I am feeling what they are feeling. They need more support to have a better future and I will try to do something for them," he said.

The American also met with IDP mothers and children.

"It is my first visit here and I am very sorry to see victims like this, particularly women and children suffering various problems," said the rapper.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal): Suicide bomber killed 11 people nearby the Somali Statehouse, and still we have complained more problems for suicide bombers in Mogadishu.

Wednesday, February 08, 2012





Jessica Buchanan, the American hostage rescued in Somalia last month, thanked her rescuers, adding that she was "overwhelmed" and "humbled" by the support she received during her three-month ordeal.

"I am  overwhelmed and so very grateful for the prayers and support my family  and I have received from people around the world," 32-year-old Buchanan, who returned to her hometown of Goode, Va., last week, said in a  statement.

She added, "I am humbled by the dedication of President [Barack] Obama and those in the American government who  planned and orchestrated my rescue, and by the bravery and heroism of the soldiers who risked their lives to carry it out."

Jessica Buchanan, the American hostage rescued in Somalia last month, thanked her rescuers, adding that she was "overwhelmed" and "humbled" by the support she received during her three-month ordeal.

"I am overwhelmed and so very grateful for the prayers and support my family and I have received from people around the world," 32-year-old Buchanan,who returned to her hometown of Goode, Va., last week, said in a statement.

She added, "I am humbled by the dedication of President [Barack] Obama and those in the American government who planned and orchestrated my rescue, and by the bravery and heroism of the soldiers who risked their lives to carry it out.

      President Museveni welcoming Nick Westcot

---

Wednesday, February 08, 2012





President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with the visiting European Envoy, Nick Westcott, who called on him at State House, Nakasero.
 
The President and his guest discussed a range of bilateral issues including political, economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
 
Westcott is the Managing Director for Africa in the European External Service (EEAS), a department set up by the EU 3 years ago to serve as a foreign ministry and diplomatic corps for the European Union.Westcott commended the role Uganda is playing in trying to bring peace to Somalia.
 
The President and the visiting envoy stressed the importance of enhancing further the long standing relationship between Uganda and the EU.
 
State Minister for International Affairs, Okello Oryem and the EU Head of Delegation in Uganda Roberto Ridolfi, among others, attended the meeting.

On: Jan 28, 2012 

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns and  expresses outrage over the daylight murder of Hassan Osman Abdi, senior journalist and director of Shabelle Media Network, the leading private  radio and television network in Southern Somalia.

Abdi was shot dead on the evening of 28 January 2012 as he arrived at his home in Madina district in Mogadishu at 18:30 local time. He was trailed by five men in a sedan who fired a total of five shots. Widely known Hassan Fantastic, Abdi suffered serious injuries to his head and chest and died on the way to Madina hospital.

“This is a terrible tragedy, both for Hassan Osman Abdi’s family and for the Somali journalist community,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ
Secretary General.

Hassan Osman Abdi, who was born on 1 July 1982 in Jilib district of Lower Juba region, was appointed as Director of Shabelle Media Network in October 2011. He is highly acclaimed journalist who has been busy unearthing politically complex issues and corruption within public institutions.

Abdi was elected as Branch Secretary of NUSOJ Branch in Banadir region of Mogadishu city.  Recently, he was chosen by NUSOJ to be trained as the Somalia trainer at a regional training for trainers that is due to be organized by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) in Bujumbura, Burundi, in February 2012.

“All of the union officials are alarmed and saddened by the murder of Abdi which has removed cherished official in the union ranks and a respected colleague from the journalism fraternity,” added Osman.

NUSOJ expresses its condolences and sympathy to the members of Abdi’s family, as well as to the management and journalists of Shabelle Media Network, which recently won Reporters without Borders’ internationally celebrated award.

Abdimalik Yusuf, Chairman of Shabelle Media Network, expressed shock and dismay over this senselness murder of Hassan Osman Abdi.

Local journalists believe that Abdi was murdered due to his leading role within Shabelle Media Network in reporting political crisis in Mogadishu as well as uncovering corruption cases.  “This was calculated killing,” said one journalist who was close to Abdi.

“The use of violence to stop journalists from exercising their basic human right of freedom of expression is unacceptable reality facing Somali journalists. We demand that vicious circle of impunity of crimes against journalists to be ended,” declared Osman. 

Hassan Osman Abdi, who left three children and their mother, sadly becomes the first journalist to be murdered in Somalia in 2012, fifth journalist of Shabelle Media Network to be slayed and fourth union official to be killed.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes the decision of United Kingdom Parliamentarians to formally table a motion on safety of journalists in Somalia at House of Commons.

The National Union of Journalists of Great Britain and Ireland (NUJ) in close cooperation with its sister union in Somalia, NUSOJ, lobbied British MPs to submit this motion which was tabled on 24 January 2012.

The motion reads:

That this House is concerned about the ongoing threats to, and arrests and killing of journalists in Somalia; condemns the mass arrest of journalists without charge in Somaliland; believes that these arrests
are an attempt to intimidate journalists into not covering news stories critical of the governing authorities; is appalled at the killing of journalist Abdisalan Sheik Hassan, who was shot dead on 18 December 2011; equally condemns the killing of journalists Farah Hasan Sahel, Noramfaizul Mohd Nor and Abdiaziz Ahmed Aden, who were killed in 2011; supports the efforts of the National Union of Somali Journalists and itsmembers who perform a crucial role in reporting in Somalia against a background of violence and intimidation for carrying out their jobs; andurges the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to raise the issues of organised and continuing threats against journalists in Somalia as a matter of urgency with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.

NUSOJ commends the five MPs that tabled the motion who are playing instrumental role. NUSOJ is glad its cooperation with the NUJ has resulted in such submission.

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in strongest terms possible the malicious falsehood and defamatory statement by the Minister of Information, Posts & Telecommunications of Transitional Federal Government (TFG), Abdulkadir Mohamed Ahmed (Jahaweyn) with respect to NUSOJ’s report on the plights of journalists.

The Annual Report of NUSOJ highlights plight of journalists who have been victims of all forms of attacks, including outright repression of media freedom and journalists’ rights by the Ministry Information, Posts
& Telecommunications and other elements within the TFG against NUSOJ and its leadership by relentlessly persecuting unionists through harassment, intimidation, arrest, and even interrogation.

The Ministry denied such repressive measures against journalists and their national union, but the facts contradict the Minister’s rebuttals.Officials of the ministry were brutally involved in covert and overt activities to limit the ability of NUSOJ members to assemble peacefully in March 2011; unfairly tried to facilitate prosecution of 5 NUSOJ leaders; and amongst others.

NUSOJ holds that the Minister owns and has the right to respond to our report; especially as it is one of our expectations that such response will help to progressively move towards better rights protection and
promotion. Unfortunately, the Minister, characteristically, yet again missed the opportunity to address the salient issues contained in the report.

Rather, the Minister has chosen like in the past to pursue a savagery attack as part of a series of planned “illegitimate conspiracy” against NUSOJ and its members. NUSOJ calls into question consent of the Office of the Prime Minister and the top leadership of the Transitional Federal Government about this libelous statement of Minister Ahmed.

We make bold to say that we stand by the contents and context of our report as it relates to the state of rights of journalists in Somalia.  Press freedom continued to be curtailed, violations of the rights of
media persons and organisations continue unabated, including verbal, psychological and physical abuses. The employments of the police and the
judiciary in such attacks have been unrelenting.

At this material point in time, things have not changed. For instance, journalists who operate outside the Ministry’s control, are discriminated, barred, intimidated or even malevolently belittled,
slandered and questioned. The murderers of four journalists who were killed in Mogadishu in 2011 in the areas controlled by the TFG are yet to be neither investigated, tried nor punished. Save for one of the
killings, which was investigated by the African Union Peace-keeping troops panel, the other three have remained largely unresolved thereby contributing in no small way to the growing and deepening culture of
impunity in Somalia. On 18 December 2011, Abdisalan Sheik Hassan was allegedly murdered by a government soldier. However, it is a widely known fact that the killer is still at large, despite cover up arrest of
someone else who was not the actual killer.

The attack of the Minister and his officials at the Ministry, who do not understand the independence of trade unions and journalists movements  is the price of the struggle to be and continue to remain independent,
which we are paying and prepared to continue to make and pay whenever necessary.

The Ministry has since then been saying it does not recognize NUSOJ and its democratically elected and internationally recognized leadership as a legitimate and legal union leadership because the union is technically unregistered at the Ministry.  It must be pointed out that the Ministry tried with futility to illegally extract a payment of $1,500, which we rightly considered as a bribe.

The Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Ahmed (Jahaweyn), furthermore, had in the past aided the use of NUSOJ logo fraudulently and helped the use of forged letterhead by misguided individuals motivated along clannish
interests. It is also sad part of the Ministry that the Minister tried in vain to convince landlord not to evict and acquire the office space previously occupied by NUSOJ as part of his strategies and desperations to undermine legitimate, independent and progressive workers’ organization such as ours.

Despite these difficulties, the union has over the past months continued to hold meetings to discuss pressing press freedom and labor problems, issued press releases on media freedom and labor rights violations,
officials of the union went to court to legally challenge the fraudulent use of the name of the union with the consent of the Ministry of Information and supported various actions, such as protests and solidarity support actions for journalists.

NUSOJ is surprised that the Minister states such blatant lies, and we would like to urge the Minister to learn to comment from an informed position as he has got the NUSOJ story all wrong. Our message to the Minister is clear, stop the futile battle against journalists and embrace progressive engagement.

Interestingly, but unfortunately, the Minister claimed that the funds of the union are been embezzled. This allegation is completely concocted and a mischievous lie meant to distort truth and confuse people. This is
a minister who has never seen the accounts of the union and has never made any attempt to contribute to the financial base of the union. We want to say unequivocally that all funds and monies received from the subscriptions from our members and donations from our partners are regularly accounted for in accordance with laid down procedures. Our donors, who have severally and satisfactorily commended our prudence and
financial tact and transparency, regularly audit our accounts and expenses. We continue to commit ourselves to this time-tested tradition and obligations.

NUSOJ, which maintains largest membership of journalists across-board, continues to enjoy the support, solidarity and recognition of International, Continental and Regional journalists, freedom of
expression and trade union organizations.

We hope the Minister would come to the point of appreciation of the issues and stop all illegitimate actions against NUSOJ, which are bringing disrepute, in no small ways to the Transitional Federal Government and the current cabinet.

Lastly, we must add that we are at the moment consulting and analyzing our response options on libelous and falsehood statement by the Ministerand other orchestrated attacks against NUSOJ from the Ministry.

By Jim Miklaszewski, NBC News chief Pentagon correspondent
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WASHINGTON
-- In a daring nighttime raid Tuesday, U.S. Navy SEALs rescued two hostages, including one American, who were being held by kidnappers in Somalia, U.S. officials tell NBC News.

American Jessica Buchanan, 32, and a 60-year-old Dane, Poul Thisted, were working for a Danish relief organization in northern Somalia when they were kidnapped last October. U.S. officials described their kidnappers as heavily armed common criminals with no known ties to any organized militant group.

According to the U.S. officials, two teams of Navy SEALs landed by helicopter near the compound where the two hostages were being held. As the SEALS approached the compound on foot gunfire broke out, the U.S. officials said, and several of the militants were reportedly killed. There is no word that any of the Americans were wounded. The SEALs gathered up Buchanan and Thisted, loaded them onto the helicopters and flew them to safety at an undisclosed location. The two hostages were not injured during the rescue operation and are reported to be in relatively good condition.

The two had been working for the Danish Refugee Council on a demining project in northern Somalia. The humanitarian group has been providing  relief to some 450,000 refugees in the Somalia-Kenya border region.

News reports at the time said the two were kidnapped Oct. 25 along with a Somali colleague when their three-car convoy was stopped on the way to an airport. A self-proclaimed Somali pirate said they had been kidnapped for ransom by pirates stymied by Western nations' efforts to stop the seizure of ships off the coast. The fate of the Somali colleague was unclear.   

The first indication of the rescue operation came Tuesday night in Washington from President Barack Obama himself.

As the president entered the House chambers to give his State of the Union Speech, he pointed to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta standing in the crowd and said, "Leon. Good job tonight. Good job tonight." The president made no mention of the hostage rescue, but finished his speechwith a reference to the killing of Osama bin Laden last May in a similar operation to the one conducted by Navy SEALs Tuesday night.

Source: NBC

African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping addresses an emergency summit of the
AU Peace and Security Council in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, August 2011. (file photo)

---

VOA Wednesday, January 25, 2012

An African Union [AU] official says there could be changes in the leadership, as heads of state and government vote this week to elect a chairperson of the continental body at the summit in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

The leaders are also scheduled to elect the deputy chairperson of the AU commission, as well as ten members of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), and one judge of the AU Ad-hoc administrative tribunal.   South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, will challenge  incumbent chairperson Jean Ping.

“The heads of state are engaging among themselves and building coalitions around regional communities and blocs to create a backup for each candidate,” continued Keizire Boaz, adviser at the AU.  “So, Jean Ping will really be meeting a very stiff competition from the South African former foreign affairs minister.”

Boaz says an official agenda of the summit will be presented  Wednesday ahead of the arrival of the heads of state and government.

“Today will be the date dedicated to sensitizing the document the ambassadors and the permanent representatives committee to the African Union will be put into a form that can better inform participants, [ahead of] the meeting of the foreign affairs ministers, who will deliberate before the heads of state discussions,” said Boaz.

Critics say the African Union has not been overly effective in resolving conflicts citing ongoing clashes in Somalia, where hard-line Islamic insurgents, including al-Shabab, are battling AU peacekeeping forces.  They said the continental body has failed combat violent activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels, who have been accused of rape and kidnappings in East and Central Africa.

But, Boaz says African leaders will discuss new ways of resolving conflicts and security problems in Africa.

“These challenges have brought specific discussions at the heads of state level where decisions will be made on directing the political orientation on some of the key issues on the continent,” said Boaz. “One of the agreed charters is how the commission will be engaging inresolving conflict.  And, the main focus here is going to be Somalia andother regions that are conflict-prone areas.”

Boaz said there is a paradigm shift on how conflict could be resolved.

“There is a new thinking and there is [an] aggressive approach to how these conflicts should be addressed.”

The AU leaders are expected to consider the recommendations of its commission’s report on the implementation of previous decisions of the Executive Council and the Assembly, the report of the Peace and Security Council on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa, including the activities of the Panel of the Wise, and the report of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who is chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee.

United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS)

For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE 02/2012

UN Special Representative moves to Mogadishu - first time in 17 years

Mogadishu, 24 January 2012 – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Ambassador Augustine P. Mahiga today moved the office of the SRSG back to Mogadishu after an absence of 17 years. Ambassador Mahiga, who was welcomed at the airport by Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Somali Officials and foreign diplomats,
said he was delighted that the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) would now be working from the capital.

“I sincerely hope that the arrival of the UN Political Office will mark the start of renewed hope for the future of Somalia,” said Ambassador Mahiga. “Being in Mogadishu will allow us to work far more closely with the Transitional Federal Institutions, the UN agencies and NGOs already based here, civil society and ordinary Somalis. We have
much to do and we are eager to get straight to work.”

The last SRSG to be based in Mogadishu, James Victor Gbeho of Ghana, who was with the UN Operations in Somalia II (UNOSOM II), left inearly 1995. UNPOS was established shortly afterwards and was based in Nairobi. However UN staff remained in Somalia throughout the following years and at present six agencies have permanent staff in Mogadishu.

After the airport welcome and the raising of the UN Flag, the SRSG proceeded to Villa Somalia to be officially welcomed by President SheikhSharif Sheikh Ahmed. The SRSG then travelled back to AMISOM Headquarters to meet the Deputy Force Commander, inspect a Guard of Honour and pay tribute to the remarkable sacrifice of both the AU forcesand Somali Security Services in advancing the cause of peace.

“Without the incredible efforts and sacrifice of the troops from Somalia and other African countries, we would not be here today,” said Ambassador Mahiga. He pledged to the Somalis that the UNPOS move to Somalia would herald the beginning of a new era of cooperation and political engagement as the transitional period draws to a close.

The SRSG will spend Wednesday at Villa Somalia for discussions with his Somali interlocutors on resolving the ongoing Parliamentary crisis and will also meet the UN Country Team.

“Now we are here working among you, I believe we will see significant progress on implementing priority tasks in the Roadmap to restore peace and stability to Somalia,” the SRSG said.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 (Somaligov Portal News) : It is the right time for USA, Russia, China, France, German, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Turkey, Iran and North Korea Oil Companies to come in Somalia for oil explorations because Range Resources "Australian Based Oil Company" has no Somali Parliamentary Approval to drill oil in Somalia therefore; Somalia is lawless and every tribe has now the right to deal with you separately regardless of national .or international law because greedy and corrupted companies like Range
Resources. Which Organizations started this phony oil project? It's Range Resource which incredibly violated our national sovereignty deal with criminal in power for bribery in order to benefit our natural resources illegally. Somalis wake up and take preventive actions to deal with this illegal company not to operate and benefit our natural in  Somalia without the approval of Somali National Parliament and the Government of Somalia in conjunction with those tribes living in these areas.

Saturday, January 21, 2012
Somali Embassy in Indonesia His Excellency Ambassador H.E. Mohamed Olow Barow made significant contributions to help needy students and
Somalis in Indonesia, and he is officially accredited to the Embassy of Somalia in Malaysia for special needs. You're truly exceptional diplomat for better diplomacy, and we all love you.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Pro-government forces have launched a major offensive from the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to seize territory from al-Shabab Islamist militants.

Some 1,000 soldiers backed up by 20 tanks captured three al-Shabab bases, a senior security official said.

African Union forces backing the government say they have advanced outside the capital for the first time.

Al-Shabab is under attack on several fronts, with troops from Kenya and Ethiopia also gaining ground recently.

Correspondents says this is the biggest joint offensive by the government and the AU force, Amisom, since August 2011.

Troops from Djibouti have recently arrived in Mogadishu to bolster Amisom's 12,000 soldiers, while the AU is asking the UN to approve a
further 50% increase in troop numbers.

Al-Shabab controls many southern and central areas of the country.

The al-Qaeda linked group made a "tactical withdrawal" from most of the capital last year but has continued to stage suicide attacks in the city.

It confirmed that the pro-government forces had gained territory but vowed to hit back.

Six months of famine A photographer with AFP news agency said he had seen the bodies of three government soldiers and an official after a convoy was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by al-Shabab fighters.

"It was chaotic, most of the trees along the road had been felled by mortar fire and houses were damaged," he said.

Witnesses say several al-Shabab fighters died but neither side has confirmed any deaths.

Amisom spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said pro-government forces had seized Mogadishu University and Barakat cemetery as they advanced north from the city after "intense" fighting.

Hundreds of people have fled the clashes.

"This is the first time Amisom has been able to secure an area outside the parameters of the city allowing them to defend greater Mogadishu," said Lt Col Ankunda.

BBC East Africa correspondent Will Ross says the operation appears to be a concerted effort to clear the Islamist militants right away from
the Somali capital.

But he says this conflict no longer has front lines and, with al-Shabab carrying out suicide bomb attacks, it will still be very difficult to make Mogadishu safe.

Aid hampered On Thursday, six people were killed by a suicide attack in a refugee camp.

The victims included a security guard and a local aid worker, witnesses said.

The bomb exploded just 20 minutes after a team of international journalists had left the Mogadishu camp.

They had gone to the city to see the situation six months after the famine was first declared in parts of the country, following the region's worst drought in 60 years.

Tens of thousands of people have died, aid workers say.

About 300,000 people have flooded into Mogadishu to seek food and shelter, as al-Shabab has banned most international aid agencies from areas they control.

The UN says a quarter of a million Somalis are still suffering.

On Thursday, medical charity MSF closed two of its health centres in the centres in response to the killing of two of its workers in the city last year.

Somalia has been wracked by two decades of conflict and lawlessnes

Friday, January 20, 2012

Six months after the first declaration of famine in Somalia, hundreds of thousands remain at risk, the Disasters Emergency Committee is warning.

Tens of thousands of people have already died after what is said to be East Africa's worst drought for 60 years.

A DEC appeal raised £75m helping 1.3 million people but four million need aid, said the organisation.

A spokesman for the DEC said the situation was still "desperate".

In November three areas of Somalia were downgraded from famine zones.

Improving conditions have meant the faminine designation could be lifted for Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle, according to the United Nation's Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit.

But the DEC says 250,000 people in other parts of the country are still living in areas affected by famine and millions more urgently need food aid.

Ongoing help

Speaking ahead of Thursday's sixth month anniversary of the famine, DEC spokesman Brendan Paddy told BBC News: "It's still extremely grim.

"In some of the areas the famine designation has been lifted but there are still extremely high rates of malnutrition, particularly among children under five, and very high death rates.

"So the situation remains very desperate."

He has just returned from Mogadishu and Wajir in northern Kenya, which was also badly affected by the drought. Somalia has been the worst affected country in the Horn of Africa.

Where other regions have seen some improvements, Mr Paddy said Somalia would need help for some time to come.

The typical food ration per household is 25kg rice, 25kg flour, 10kg sugar and five litres of oil.

Even where there had been rains and conditions were improving, people have not been able to return home.

"There are huge numbers of displaced people, some have gone to Mogadishu - the situation there is better but it's not a place you want to flee to.

"The largest refugee camp is at Dadaab, in north eastern Kenya. Many people had fled there because of fighting amongst the various fiefdoms and then lots more people arrived because of the famine."

Work has had to be put on hold because of the situation, he said.

"Far from over" Charity Islamic Relief, which is one of the DEC's 14 member charities, is also calling for more international aid and an
increased diplomatic effort.

UK Director Jehangir Malik, who has also just returned from Mogadishu, said the crisis was "far from over".

"Things are certainly better now than they were six months ago but more aid and greater diplomatic effort are urgently needed to improve
access to the areas most in need and help fund programmes so that displaced people can rebuild their lives."

The £75m raised by the East Africa Crisis Appeal is the third largest sum ever received by the DEC.

Initially the money was used for food, water and medical aid but Mr Paddy said help would be given to provide longer term support, such as digging wells and replacing livestock.

He also said political progress was needed at a Somalia conference due to take place in the UK next month.

Mogadishu Friday January 20, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal) : The International Community must know that current Government of Somalia has made illegal authorization to bomb civilian towns while Kenya and Ethiopia have already committed crimes against humanity which the United National Political Office has never reported to the United Nations Security Council for proper action to find durable solutions. It is very clearly that Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli m. Gas and his Spokesman Eng. Abdirahman Yarisow have illegally authorized Kenyan military to bomb Somali towns where innocent people injured and died, and it's the reality that Kenyan Government violated Somali sovereignty crossing into Somalia boundary without Somali parliamentary approval, and when H.E. President Sheikh Sharif protested Kenya's illegal military incursion then Kenyan Government sent two of its most corrupted ministers to convince and delude President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed therefore; we, the people of Somalia are really fed up with the foreign interventions who are killing our people and to steal our natural resources as well as trying to grab some of our coastal sea. The Federal Government of Ethiopia and Kenya have been arming the Somali militias since 1978 to destabilize Somalia until now. By the way, Mafia Oil Companies such African Oil Corp now joined the ranks to further destabilize Somalia where they have not any contractual approvals from the Somali Parliament and the innocent people of the Republic of Somalia. The United Nations Political Office for Somalia has failed to report these crimes, and Kenya and The Ethiopia are still continuing their endless crimes forever! Where is the international law? Where is the Transparency International Court? This is the truth about Somalia? Is a corrupted official able to appoint Anti-Corruption Agency? Find the answers!

Mogadishu Thursday January 19, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal) : His Excellent President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed declared that African Oil Corp has violated our national constitution and international law where they came to drill oil without the knowledge of the Somali Parliament and the current cabinet, it is total illegal to dig oil in a country where it's national parliament has nit approved therefore; the African Oil Company violated our nation deal with tribal mafia who are killing innocent Somali people that seek a refugee over there. The People, the Parliament and the Government of Somalia are strongly condemning the African Oil Corp's illegal exploratory program in the Puntland State, and we will send our legal complaint to the International Court of Justice, The United Nations Security Council and to those countries which hosted and licensed the African Oil Corp. By the way, I officially rejected to the Kenya's invasion to Somalia in order to kill innocent people therefore; the Somali Prime Minister Dr. Abdiwel M. Gas and the Spokesman Eng. Abdirahman Yarisow have decisively authorized Kenya's illegal invasion to Somalia so, they arr both accountable for any crimes which the Kenya Government commits in Somalia. I am officially requesting to the Somali Parliament to take whatever necessary steps to save Somalia and stop the illegal companies operating in Somalia without parliamentary approval.

Yours Sincerely,

His Excellent President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed declared that African Oil Corp

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Remarks With Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

On Saturday, armed police raided Horn Cable TV headquarters after President Ahmed Mahmoud Silyano accused the broadcaster of spreading propaganda against his administration, according to news reports. Officers told the entire staff to leave and sealed the premises without a warrant, local journalists said. Horn Cable had recently reported on a meeting in the disputed Sool region in which the Dhulbante clan announced its intention to form an autonomous state under Somalia--and not Somaliland--accordingto local journalists.

On Sunday morning, Somaliland presidential guards dispersed a demonstration by two dozen journalists protesting the shutdown of Horn Cable TV, according to local journalists and news reports. Officers beat journalists with the butt of their guns and detained 21 journalists at the Hargeisa Central Police Station overnight, local journalists told CPJ. Somaliland Police Chief Mohamed Saqadhi released the 21 journalists
at around 2 p.m. local time the next day, news reports said.

"The Somaliland government's claims of upholding press freedom are belied by the mass arrests of journalists and the arbitrary shuttering of broadcasters," said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. "These acts of intimidation seem to be part of a pattern to punish the Somaliland press for its independent reporting of political news."

Local journalists told CPJ that Horn Cable TV returned to the air briefly Monday evening and was expected to be fully functioning soon.

Seven other journalists were arrested in the past week, CPJ research shows. Only one, journalist Ali Ismail Aare, still remains behind bars. Aare tookphotographs of a petrol station in the northwest town of Borama that was allegedly owned by Vice President Abdirahman Abdullahi, news reports said.

Somali Minister of Health H.E Dr. Abdiaziz Sheikh Yusu

Mogadishu 18th January, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal) : Somalia Minister of Health H.E Abdiaziz Sheikh Yusuf and a high level Somali government delegation have
flown to Geneva Switzerland to attend a World Health Organization session that will address the current health situation in Somalia and other African countries.

H.E Abdiaziz Sheikh Yusuf will represent the Somali government delegation where all world health Ministries are set to attend as well as the International aid agencies that will tackle health issues that affect the sontinent.

Somalia has been the worst affected nation health wise after an influx of displaced persons in the capital caused outbreaks of cholera, water diarrhea and severe cases of malnutrition.

The Minister is set to meet the international aid agencies heads and talk to them about the health situation in Somalia as well as the progress made by the Transitional federal Government of Somalia Health department despite the ongoing conflict in Somalia that has seen many killed and thousands wounded.

The Ministry of Health has in the past months taken drugs to hospitals in the capital Mogadishu as well as opened hospitals that were non operational for the past twenty years after countries like Turkey and Iran offered massive assistance.

TO:

Africa Oil Corp.
Sophia Shane
Corporate Development
(604) 689-7842
(604) 689-4250 (FAX)

africaoilcorp@namdo.com

www.africaoilcorp.com

The U.S. Department of State H.E. Hillary Clinton

CC: The Government of Canada

The Office of Prime Minister

CC: The United Kingdom

CC: The United Nations Political Office for Somalia Ambassador Mahiga

On 18^th of January, 2012

Your Excellencies.

Subject: African Oil Corp must stop Violations for Oil Exploration in Somalia

The people, Parliament and the Government of the Republic of Somalia has not approved any oil exploration to drill in Somalia therefore; we, the People of Somalia have the right to know who authorized you to carry out oil exploration in Somalia when the National Transitional Federal Parliament and the current cabinet have never discussed to approve or disapprove your illegal exploratory projects in Somalia in order to benefit our natural resources illegally.

Let us tell you that you are constantly violating the sovereignty of our nation while you intentionally investing in a country at civil war which its own people have still conflict of interests for any resources.

So, can you tell us who signed this illegitimate contract? Your illegal shares and our shares! Or Are you above the international law? As we know that there were several American companies who signed legitimate contracts with the former Somali Governments, and they are not still able to drill oil in Somalia until Somalia gets strong government.

We think that you're part of new international mafia who wants to violate national, regional and international laws because you're illegally drilling oil in Somalia without the knowledge of the Somali National Parliament and the Current Cabinet of Somalia.

If you continue this illegal oil projects then we promise you to regret it because you are not following the international law then you will only waste your investment illegally in Somalia.

Former Somali Government had signed contracts with several American companies, and we deeply abide by these signed contracts with the United States Oil Companies willy-nilly.

If you don't stop it urgently then we will take this case to the international Court for your endless and lunatic violations in regard to our sovereignty.

Best Wishes,

Director, Office of the Somali Governmental Communications and Contacts & Spokesman of the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

1 Villa Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia

Mogadishu Tuesday January 17, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal) : His Excellent President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said, I think that the Chairman of the African Union (AU) Dr. Jean Ping and the Deputy Chairman must resign urgently for not protecting the geopolitical interests of the African people. It's clear that the African Union (AU) never talked about the crimes against humanity which the Federal Government of Ethiopia and Kenya have been committing since 1991 until now arming Somali tribal militias to destroy ...Somalia and benefit its natural resources in the near future while violating every code and principles of the international law since 1991 until now.

I fully regret how silly is the Chairman of the African Union (AU) when he is telling the Somali Parliamentarians violated Kampala Accord which was based on illegality of total violation to sovereign nation. The Somali Parliamentarians elected democratically a new speaker of Parliament in Somalia in majority vote. Mr. Jean Ping, Africans are fed up and sick of the African Union (AU) corruptions which this political organization gains from the dictatorial regimes in order to suffocate democracy and oppositions therefore; no more funds from Dictator Maomar Al-Gadaffi, and others will soon follow his path willy-nilly so, it's the right time for the current corrupted leaders of the African Union to step down immediately.

Mogadishu 16th January, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal) : The National Security Committee in their regular meeting, on the state of the nation’s security, has met today on the fighting in Buuhoodle in the Sool region.

The meeting which was chaired by the President of the Republic, H.E. Sh. Sharif Sh. Ahmed; and attended by the speaker of the Parliament, The Prime Minister, State Minister of
Defence, The Deputy Minister of Interior and National Security, The heads of the Armed and Security Services and the Deputy Governor of the Banadir Region, met today on the fighting that has erupted in Buuhoodle in the Sool region

After briefings and long deliberations the Committee issued the following:

1. That they are very disturbed by the fighting in Buuhoodle, Sool region, which has resulted In death and injury to people.

2. To send condolences to the bereaved families, who lost loved ones, and prey for early recovery to the injured.
3. Are calling for a peaceful co-existence between the peoples of the area who share a long standing relations and tradition.

4. The said longstanding relations and traditions must be protected by peaceful co-existence and any armed conflict should be avoided by any means. We firmly believe that it is inno ones interest for a state of conflict and war to exist within a community of brothers and sisters. For this reason, the committee is calling for an immediate end to the fighting without any condition and to solve all outstanding issues through dialogue and brotherly understanding.

Finally, the TFG, is prepared to contribute to all the efforts needed, in order to bring back peace and stability to the communities in the region, who share a long history of brotherhood.

Aid trucks seized by Al-Shabaab in South Somalia

Mogadishu 16th January, 2012 (Somaligov News Portal) : The UN in Somalia says tens of thousands of people will have died of starvation by the time the famine  in the Horn of Africa ends.

The food crisis was declared in Somalia six months ago and levels of need are expected to remain high until July or August.

UN aid chief in Somalia, Mark Bowden, told the BBC malnutrition rates there were the highest in the world.


He said a quarter of a million Somalis were still suffering from the famine.

"We know that tens of thousands of people will have died over the last  year," Mr Bowden, said, describing the rates of malnutrition as
"amazingly high".

"Children will have suffered the most, malnutrition rates in Somalia were the highest in the world, and I think the highest recorded... up to 50% of the child population suffered from severe or acute malnutrition."

Mr Bowden said malnutrition rates have begun to drop but the crisis was likely to continue for the next six or seven months.

"Fortunately they've started to come down across the board, but that does mean that there will have been a very high mortality," he said.

Last year, tens of thousands of Somalis fled rural areas - many over the borders to Ethiopia and Kenya - in search of food. The UN estimates  that a total of 1.5 million people have been displaced by the crisis.

The UN is calling for additional funds to replenish flocks of sheep, goats and camels so that people can re-build their lives.